When must a vessel take early action to avoid impeding another vessel?

A vessel must take early action to avoid impeding another vessel, particularly when navigating in a narrow channel. This guidance aligns with the rules established by the COLREGs, which emphasize the importance of ensuring safe passage within confined waters where the risk of collision can be heightened due to limited maneuverability. Narrow channels often have specific navigation rules that aim to facilitate safe and efficient movement of vessels, particularly when larger or deeper draft vessels are involved.

In such scenarios, the responsibility to avoid impeding another vessel is critical, as failing to act proactively could lead to dangerous situations, such as groundings or collisions. While there might be other contexts in which early action is necessary, the situation in narrow channels specifically underscores the importance of maintaining a clear passage for all vessels involved. Monitoring the movements of other ships and taking early steps to ensure they are not impeded is essential for maritime safety.