In a situation where two vessels approach each other, what is the recommended behavior?

In a situation where two vessels are approaching each other, the recommended behavior is for one vessel to change course to prevent a collision. This principle is fundamental in the navigation rules that guide mariners to ensure safe passage and avoid accidents at sea.

When two vessels are on a collision course, changing course is often the most effective means of avoiding an accident. The vessel that has the ability to maneuver should take action to ensure that both vessels can safely pass each other. This can involve altering course to starboard (to pass on the port side of the other vessel) or to port, depending on the situation and the rules of the road. Maritime laws emphasize the importance of communication and predictable maneuvers to maintain safety in navigation.

The other options do not address the safety and navigational rules effectively. For example, increasing speed could exacerbate the situation and reduce the time available for a safe maneuver. Steering directly towards each other would likely lead to a collision, and anchoring immediately is impractical and could create hazardous situations, especially if the vessels are in a congested area or under way in open water. Thus, changing course is the practical and safe response to maintain navigational safety.