Under Rule 7, risk of collision exists when the bearing to the approaching vessel does not appreciably change.

• A. Risk exists if the bearing to the approaching vessel does not appreciably change.
• B. Risk exists only at night.
• C. Risk exists only when you are sailing at reduced visibility.
• D. Risk exists only when there is no range information available.

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is how to recognize a risk of collision by looking at relative bearing. If the bearing to the approaching vessel stays essentially the same as you both move, you and that vessel are on a converging path. That constant bearing means you can’t deduce that you’ll pass safely; the other vessel could occupy the same area of space you’re headed for unless one of you changes course or speed. Because of that, a risk of collision exists whenever the bearing does not appreciably change, and you should take early, decisive action to break the potential collision course.

This isn’t limited to any particular time of day or visibility. Collision risk can exist in daylight or dark, and with or without range information. The defining signal is the bearing remaining constant, not the presence of night, poor visibility, or lack of range data.