In a scenario where there is not enough sea room to pass ahead, what action should you take?

• A. Maintain course and wait
• B. Make a very bold alteration to starboard, parallel their course, slow down, allow them to pass
• C. Alter to port and pass behind
• D. Stop engine

Answer: (B)

When space is too tight to safely pass in front, the priority is to create a safe, clear path with early, decisive maneuvering that reduces risk of collision. Turning to starboard and moving onto a parallel course while slowing down gives you a controlled, predictable path to slip past on the other vessel’s port side and, if needed, pass behind them. This reduces closing speed and keeps you out of their dangerous wake or behind their bow, using the extra room you gain to separate the intentions of both vessels.

Maintaining course and waiting offers little protection once space is limited and can trap you in a risky situation. Stopping the engine abruptly can introduce its own hazards and doesn’t guarantee you’ll maintain a safe margin. Altering to port could put you into a less favorable track or close the gap in front of the other vessel depending on their approach, whereas a deliberate starboard maneuver with reduced speed provides a safer, more controlled outcome in restricted space.