When in doubt about a head-on situation, what should a vessel do?

In a head-on situation, where two vessels are approaching each other from opposite directions, the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) provide specific guidance to ensure safe navigation. When in doubt about whether a situation is indeed head-on, the prudent action is to treat it as such and take appropriate measures to avoid a collision.

By assuming it is a head-on situation, the vessel will typically act in accordance with Rule 14 of the COLREGs, which states that both vessels are to alter their courses to starboard. This concerted action helps to create a safe passage to avoid collisions while ensuring that both vessels maintain clear intention and visibility. This proactive approach emphasizes the importance of caution in navigation, preventing misunderstandings that could lead to dangerous encounters at sea.

In contrast, disregarding the possibility of collision and continuing on the current course could lead to perilous situations, especially if another vessel is also approaching and the risk is miscalculated. Consulting maritime traffic control may not be the quickest solution in a dynamic and immediate situation, and waiting for the other vessel to change course places undue reliance on the actions of others, which may lead to conflict and collision. Taking the initiative to assume the situation is head-on and to act