How should you approach another vessel for boarding or safety assessment?

• A. Approach at a controlled speed and angle, make contact, state intentions, and request consent.
• B. Approach at a controlled speed but from directly ahead with no contact.
• C. Approach from the stern at high speed.
• D. Stay clear and hail from a distance.

Answer: (A)

Approach for boarding or a safety check should be deliberate and safe, clearly communicating your intent and obtaining consent. Move at a controlled, steady speed and approach at an angle rather than directly head-on, which reduces the risk of collision and gives you a predictable path to follow. Lightly making contact helps establish presence and a stable reference point for the other vessel. Then, vocalize your intentions and request consent before boarding or conducting the safety assessment. This sequence minimizes risk, prevents misunderstandings, and ensures the other vessel knows what you’re about to do and has authorized it.

Going directly from ahead with no contact can be abrupt and confusing; approaching from the stern at high speed is dangerous and poses serious risk to both boats and people; staying clear and hailing from distance may leave boarding unauthorized and increase the chance of miscommunication.