What should vessels on a collision course do to ensure safety?

When two vessels are on a collision course, it is critical for them to evaluate the possibility of collision and act accordingly. This approach aligns with the fundamental principles of the COLREGs, which emphasize the importance of situational awareness and proactive measures to prevent collisions at sea.

By assessing the situation, each vessel can determine the safest course of action, including maneuvers to alter speed or direction, ensuring that both vessels can navigate safely without risking a collision. This evaluation process involves recognizing the relative positions, speeds, and trajectories of both vessels to make informed decisions.

Ignoring each other and proceeding as planned, communicating verbally without adjusting course, or taking separate routes without consideration are all actions that could lead to miscalculations and increased risk of collision. Therefore, the correct course of action emphasizes the need for vigilance and adaptability in response to the changing dynamics of maritime navigation.