In a head-on situation, what action should both vessels take?

• A. Maintain course and speed.
• B. Stop and reverse.
• C. Increase speed to pass ahead.
• D. Alter course to starboard to pass port-to-port; reduce speed if safe.

Answer: (D)

In a head-on situation, the safest action is for both vessels to alter course to starboard to pass port-to-port; reduce speed if safe. This move creates a clear, predictable path for each boat and keeps you, and the other vessel, out of each other’s direct line of travel. Steering to the right (starboard) means you move away from the other vessel’s course, so you pass on each other’s left sides, which reduces the chance of collision. Slowing down if it’s safe gives you more time to react to any unexpected movements and keeps the maneuver smooth. Maintaining course would keep you on a collision trajectory, and speeding up or stopping abruptly isn’t as reliable or safe in close, approaching traffic.