What is the minimum distance vessels should maintain from a minesweeper?

The minimum distance vessels should maintain from a minesweeper is 1,000 meters. This regulation is in place to ensure the safety of both the minesweeper's operations and other vessels in the vicinity. Minesweepers are engaged in crucial and potentially dangerous work, which often involves the use of various methods to detect and neutralize naval mines.

By keeping a distance of at least 1,000 meters, vessels not only reduce the risk of accidental interference with the minesweeping operations but also maintain safe navigation away from potential hazards related to mines. This distance is recommended to ensure that there is adequate space for the minesweeper to operate effectively and for the vessels to avoid potential danger from any reactive mine that may still pose a threat even after being located.

Maintaining this safety margin is part of standard maritime protocol when encountering naval operations and emphasizes the importance of navigational caution.