What is the main reason for altering a course to avoid a close-quarters situation?

Altering a course to avoid a close-quarters situation primarily aims to ensure safety and prevent collision. In maritime navigation, the risk of collision rises significantly when vessels are in close proximity to one another. By changing course, a vessel can either increase its distance from another vessel or maneuver into a clear path, thereby reducing the chances of an accident.

This practice is fundamental in adherence to the COLREGs, which emphasize the responsibility of mariners to take all necessary measures to avoid collisions. Safety is the foremost priority in navigation, and proactive measures like altering course are necessary to protect lives, vessels, and the marine environment.

While adhering to navigation rules, minimizing fuel consumption, and maintaining speed may have their importance in certain contexts, they do not directly address the immediate threat posed by a potential collision, which is the primary concern in close-quarters situations.