The obvious answer for how to maneuver when vessels meet at sea is for everyone to follow the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, also known as the COLREGS. The COLREGs impose a system whereby all maneuvering will be predictable and completed with adequate clearance. But what if the rules break down? The boat is hove-to on autopilot and the crew is below. Visibility is poor and you got too close. A deck sweeping genoa blocked the view of a too-relaxed crew. Or perhaps the driver of the other boat either does not understand COLREGS, or in the panic of the moment, forgets. Sail long enough and it will happen to you. So how should you respond?
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