What constitutes a risk of collision?

A situation where vessels are on a direct collision course constitutes a clear risk of collision because it indicates that the trajectories of both vessels are converging, which could lead to an accident if no actions are taken to alter their courses. This situation is critical for navigators to recognize and address in order to prevent potential collisions.

Navigators must understand that being on a direct path toward another vessel requires immediate assessment and corrective measures, such as altering speed or changing course, to ensure safe navigation. In contrast, scenarios where vessels are far apart, at anchor, or where visibility is clear do not inherently present immediate risks of collision, as they suggest either sufficient space or a lack of movement that could lead to a collision.