If you are severely restricted in your ability to deviate from your course while avoiding collision, which action may be appropriate?

• A. Maintain course and speed
• B. Bold alteration to starboard and pass ahead at a safe distance
• C. Turn to port
• D. Stop and anchor

Answer: (B)

When you’re severely restricted in your ability to deviate from your course, you must take decisive, early action to keep well clear of the other vessel. A bold alteration to starboard to pass ahead at a safe distance is the best option because it creates a clear, predictable maneuver that reduces the chance of a collision despite limited maneuverability. This approach moves you away from the line of potential collision and establishes a safe separation path by crossing in front of the other vessel if needed, without relying on a large or slow maneuver.

Maintaining course and speed wouldn’t reduce risk because it relies on the other vessel to alter course or slow down, which you may not be able to count on. Turning to port could put you into the other vessel’s path given your restricted ability to maneuver. Stopping and anchoring isn’t practical or safe in normal traffic and doesn’t guarantee collision avoidance.