What should be avoided when determining the risk of collision?

Making assumptions based on limited information is critical to avoid when determining the risk of collision. Accurate navigation and decision-making require comprehensive and reliable data. Limited information can lead to incorrect assessments of whether a collision risk exists, possibly jeopardizing safety on the water.

Utilizing radar information, visual aids, and taking into account the proximity to other vessels are essential practices in navigating. Radar provides valuable data about other vessels' positions and movements, visual aids assist in understanding the surrounding environment, and considering how close another vessel is helps gauge risk. Relying on incomplete or assumptive information can lead to dangerous situations, as decisions based purely on assumptions may not reflect the actual conditions or movements of other vessels. Hence, reliance on thorough and diverse data is crucial for assessing collision risks effectively.