What action can a vessel take to avoid immediate danger?

The most effective action a vessel can take to avoid immediate danger is to depart from the Rules. This acknowledges that in emergency situations, adhering strictly to navigation rules may not always be the best course of action. Sometimes, a vessel must prioritize safety over following established protocols to avoid a collision or other hazards.

Generally, the rules of navigation, which include the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), provide guidelines for vessels to navigate safely in relation to each other. However, when faced with immediate danger such as a potential collision, a vessel may need to take urgent, unorthodox actions to protect those on board and ensure the vessel's safety.

This principle is reflected in the rules themselves, which include provisions allowing for reasonable deviations in order to avoid imminent hazards. In many cases, quick decisions that may involve breaking standard operating procedures are necessary for the safety of the crew and the vessel.

The other options, while potentially useful in certain situations, do not address the need for immediate action as effectively. Remaining stationary does not mitigate danger and can actually increase risk in busy shipping lanes. Reducing speed may help in some contexts but can also lead to an inability to maneuver away from danger quickly. Calling for assistance is important in many