You should take action to avoid a collision.
While rowing a small utility boat at night a flashlight should be carried to help avoid a collision.
When a sailboat is on a collision course with a fishing boat, it must take action to avoid the collision. According to the "Rules of the Road," the sailboat, being the give-way vessel, should change its course or speed to pass safely behind or in front of the fishing boat. If the fishing boat is under power, it typically has the right of way. The sailor should also communicate intentions clearly if possible to prevent confusion.
A boat collision occurs when the bearing between two boats remains constant over time, indicating that they are on a collision course. This is a dangerous situation that requires immediate evasive action to avoid a potential impact.
A. Make certain everyone is accounted for and check for injuries
You should already be aware of a boat approaching from astern ... your head needs to be on a swivel as the pilot at all times. You need to know everything about your surroundings. If you hear this signal you should probably slow down and let them pass safely. Don't crowd them or try to out run them.
Read and understand the Collision Avoidance regulations, which are international. The simplest rule on open water is that if you are crossing the course of another boat so that it seems there might be a collision, then if the other boat is on your starboard side (the right), you must do something to avoid a collision, which could be that you slow down or you might alter course to starboard. If you have the other boat on your port side (the left), you just have to carry on as normal. A good test to check for the possibility of a collision is to watch the direction that the other boat is in, relative to you. If the direction does not change, you are on a collision course.
I would add that a smaller boat overtaking a larger boat or ship should always give way or alter its course because a larger boat or ship cannot quickly slow down or change its course. The larger vessel already underway should continue, without the added concern of an overtaking smaller boat causing a collision.
The stand-on vessel has the duty to maintain its course and speed when encountering a give-way vessel, which is required to take action to avoid a collision. The stand-on vessel should be prepared to take evasive action if it becomes apparent that a collision cannot be avoided. It is essential for the stand-on vessel to remain aware of its surroundings and communicate its intentions if necessary. Overall, the stand-on vessel should prioritize safety while following the navigation rules.
You should keep a good look out in order to avoid colliding with another boat.
You should keep a good look out in order to avoid colliding with another boat.
You should keep a good look out in order to avoid colliding with another boat.