To avoid a collision, what should be ensured regarding the passed distance from another vessel?

Ensuring a distance that always allows for safe passage between vessels is crucial for the prevention of collisions at sea. The COLREGs emphasize that navigational safety is paramount, and maintaining a safe distance minimizes the risk of accidents. Safe passage involves considering factors such as the type of vessels involved, their size, speed, and the prevailing environmental conditions. This proactive approach aligns with the principles of safe navigation, whereby mariners are responsible for taking necessary precautions to prevent collisions.

The mention of maneuvering efficiency or getting as close as possible can lead to dangerous situations, as it ignores the essential need for safety in navigation. Similarly, the idea that it should not matter if vessels are close neglects the established guidelines aimed at ensuring the safety of all waterway users. Lastly, basing decisions solely on the assumptions of the crew can introduce a significant risk factor, as it may not take into account the dynamic and sometimes unpredictable nature of marine operations. Thus, maintaining a distance that guarantees safe passage is the most reliable guideline in preventing collisions at sea.