If you spot a potential collision, alter course or speed to keep everyone safe on California waters.

Collision on the horizon? Here’s the move that keeps everyone safe

On a sunny stretch of California water, it happens in a heartbeat. A boat veers into your path, a wake pushes you toward another vessel, or a row of jet skis darts across your intended line. The moment you spot a possible collision, you don’t freeze. You don’t shrug it off. You act. And the move that makes the most sense is simple: alter course or speed to avoid the collision.

What to choose (and why it’s the right choice)

If you’re ever unsure what to do, picture the rules of the water as a shared language. Operators must take early, decisive action to prevent a crash. The correct answer—alter course or speed to avoid the collision—reflects that common-sense principle. Sticking to the same course or speed in a near-make-or-break moment isn’t just bad seamanship; it’s a setup for an accident.

Think of it this way: you’re not the only one on the water. Boats, kayaks, and even paddleboards all have a spot in a busy waterway. When risk surfaces, the safest move is to adjust what you’re doing right now. That could mean turning a bit to starboard (to the right) or port (to the left), or it could mean easing off the throttle to buy yourself more space. Either way, you’re removing the threat by changing your motion.

A quick reality check: why not signal or wait for someone else to move?

• Signaling the other vessel can help, but it’s not a substitute for action. Relying on a signal alone can lead to misinterpretation. People might be listening on different channels, or the other boat might not see your signal in time.

• Waiting for instructions from the coast guard? That’s a delay you can’t afford. In a tight waterway, every second counts. The coast guard is there for emergencies, not as a routine traffic controller. Your best safeguard is your own proactive choices.

• Simply changing speed without changing course can sometimes be enough, but if a crossing is imminent, changing course tends to reduce the chance of a side-swipe or head-on encounter more reliably.

How you put it into action, step by step

Let me explain what this looks like in real life. You’re piloting a small powerboat in a busy harbor. A bigger sailboat shifts its course toward you, and it’s clear you’re on a collision course.

• Scan early and read the risk. Look at the other vessel’s bearing and speed. If the bearing is not moving much, you’ve got a problem brewing. If the other boat is crossing in front of you, slowing down or turning away can help you slip past safely.

• Decide quickly, then act decisively. The moment you sense danger, choose a plan and execute it. A slight turn or a modest reduction in speed can create a generous gap.

• Communicate if you can. If you have time, a brief radio call or a simple sound signal can reduce confusion. For example, a quick horn blast or a short radio call can say, “I’m changing course to starboard,” so the other skipper understands your intent.

• Confirm you’re clear. After you’ve adjusted, check that you’ve gained distance and that the other vessel has had time to react. If there’s still a risk, be prepared to adjust again.

• Return to a safe pace. Once the gap is secure, level your course and speed back to a safe, steady plan. Keep a lookout; hazards aren’t done just because one maneuver worked.

What “alter course or speed” actually covers

• Changing the course: A slight turn to the left or right isn’t dramatic. The point is to create more space so your bow and the other vessel don’t threaten each other. You don’t need to perform fancy maneuvers—just a deliberate deviation that shifts your path well clear.

• Changing the speed: Slowing down a notch often buys you time to reassess and avoids closing the gap at a dangerous angle. In some cases, speeding up a touch can help you pass behind or ahead of another boat without forcing a confrontation.

• A mix of both: Some situations call for a small course change and a minor speed adjustment. The goal is to keep the two boats out of a near-miss zone and reduce risk quickly.

Real-world taste of safe navigation

California waterways—whether it’s a busy bay, a lake near the Sierra foothills, or a river mouth near a coastal town—are lively places. There’s a lot of energy on the water: kids learning to fish, retirees enjoying a slow paddle, weekend sailors racing to a cove, fishermen keeping steady as the tide shifts. With all that activity, you’ll hear a lot of opinions about who should move where. The truth is simple: when a potential collision pops up, the safest path is to act—early, clearly, and with good judgment.

That’s what good seamanship looks like. It’s not about heroic moves; it’s about steady, thoughtful decision-making. It’s about recognizing risk, choosing a safe course, and sticking with it until the water calms down again.

A few California-specific reminders to keep in mind

• Dense traffic areas require extra vigilance. In busy harbors and channels, dedicate a portion of your attention to watching for other boats crossing or converging.

• Sound signals and radio calls can help with communication, but you should never rely on them as your only tool. Hands-on action remains essential.

• Gear helps your decisions feel more confident. A VHF radio on channel 16 for emergencies or hailing, a properly fitted life jacket for everyone on board, and a functioning navigation light system are all quiet but powerful allies on any voyage.

• Know your limits. If you’re new to the water, practice simple, safe maneuvers in calm conditions with a trusted supervisor or in a controlled environment. You’ll build confidence that translates to calm decisions when things get busy.

A touch of philosophy, minus the drama

People who stay on course when danger looms aren’t reckless travelers; they’re careful planners. They’ve learned to read the water, to anticipate the other guy’s path, and to act with clarity rather than panic. It’s a practical skill with real-world payoff: fewer near-misses, less stress, and more time to enjoy the journey—whether you’re cruising the coast, exploring a quiet inlet, or simply pedaling across a placid lake.

If you want to brush up on the bigger picture, there are reliable sources that walk through the rules of the road, navigation rules that apply to inland and coastal waters, and smart safety tips for recreational boaters. Organizations like the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or the BoatUS Foundation offer approachable guidance, and state resources—like the California Department of Boating and Waterways—often provide handy safety tips tailored to regional waterways. They’re not about tests as much as about making life on the water safer for everyone involved.

Putting it all together

So, what should you do the moment you sense a possible collision? Alter course or speed to avoid it. It’s not a dramatic gesture; it’s a practical, safety-first decision that protects your crew and others on the water. Stay aware, communicate when possible, and keep your eyes on the water ahead. In busy channels, in quiet coves, in every season, that approach helps you stay in control and keep the mood merry rather than tense.

If you’re curious to learn more about the rules of the water or want a friendlier overview of what skippers need to know, you’ll find plenty of trusted resources that break things down into bite-sized, memorable bits. And optional asides—like checking the weather before you go, or packing a small, well-stocked safety kit—are easy to fit into daily boating routines. Small habits, big safety.

Bottom line: be proactive, stay calm, and make a clear, decisive move when risk is in view. Altering course or speed to avoid a collision isn’t just the right answer; it’s the essence of good seamanship—quietly confident, always prepared, and ready to keep the water a safe place for everyone who shares it.