ORGANIC LAWS GOVERNING U.S. COAST GUARD 49 



(5) Alteration of course alone may be the most effective action to 

 avoid close quarters provided that — 



(a) There is sufficient sea room. 



(b) It is made in good time. 



(c) It is substantial. A succession of small alterations of 

 course should be avoided. 



(d) It does not result in a close quarters situation with other 

 vessels. 



(6) The direction of an alteration of course is a matter in which the 

 mariner must be guided by the circumstances of the case. An altera- 

 tion to starboard, particularly when vessels are approaching appar- 

 enily on opposite or nearly opposite courses, is generally preferable 

 to an alteration to port. 



(7) An alteration of speed, either alone or in conjunction with an 

 alteration of course, should be substantial. A number of small altera- 

 tions of speed should be avoided. 



(8) If a close quarters situation is imminent, the most prudent 

 action may be to take all way off the vessel. (Public Law 88-131, § 4, 

 Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 195-219.) 



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