When in sight of another vessel, any action taken to avoid collision must not result in another close quarters situation.

• A. Not result in another close quarters situation
• B. Must always stop
• C. Must turn away from the other vessel as needed
• D. Must always pass behind

Answer: (A)

When you’re in sight of another vessel, the action you take to avoid a collision must not create a new close-quarters situation with any other traffic. The essential idea is that avoidance maneuvers should preserve safe separation for all vessels, not just resolve the immediate risk with one vessel. If a chosen maneuver would put you into a second potential collision with a different vessel, you need to adjust your plan so that your action avoids creating another CQ situation. This is why the statement “not result in another close quarters situation” is the best guiding rule.

Stating it this way also helps you see why the other options aren’t universal requirements. You don’t always have to stop; there are many scenarios where slowing or a gentle course change suffices without stopping. You don’t always have to turn away from the other vessel; the correct action depends on the situation and what keeps you clear of all traffic. And you don’t always have to pass behind; sometimes passing in front or altering course in a different way is appropriate. The key is ensuring whatever you do to avoid the collision doesn’t create another hazard with other vessels.