What is the recommended action when approaching other vessels?

The recommended action when approaching other vessels is to change course to avoid a collision. This guideline is rooted in the principle of safe navigation and the responsibilities of boat operators to prevent accidents on the water. When you observe another vessel, assessing their speed and direction is crucial. If a potential collision is identified, altering your course allows for sufficient room and time for both vessels to navigate safely, reducing the risk of an incident.

Maintaining speed and direction might lead to dangerous situations, especially if the other vessel is on a collision course. Signaling another vessel to speed up is also not advisable, as it places the responsibility on them and could potentially create confusion. Following closely behind another vessel is generally not a safe practice; it can impede your reaction time and increase the risk of a collision if the leading vessel suddenly changes direction or speed. Therefore, changing course is the best approach to ensure safe boating practices when encountering other vessels.