Why should scanty information be approached with caution in navigation?

Approaching scanty information with caution in navigation is crucial because limited data can easily result in incorrect assumptions about vessel courses. In navigation, accurate situational awareness is paramount to ensuring safe passage. When information is sparse, there's a higher risk that navigators may misinterpret a vessel's position, speed, or course based on incomplete or unclear signals. This can lead to dangerous outcomes, such as collisions or other navigational hazards, as assumptions formed from inadequate data may not reflect the true situation.

This understanding highlights the necessity for navigators to verify information and be vigilant, especially when the data available does not fully paint the necessary picture for safe maneuvering at sea. While there are implications for vessel speed, course maintenance, and radar usage, the primary concern remains the potential for flawed assumptions stemming from insufficient information.