Three objectives of a radio call for collision avoidance.

• A. Agree on an action
• B. Establish positive ID, agree on a rotr situation, agree on an action
• C. Establish positive ID and report position
• D. Agree on a rotr situation and a weather update

Answer: (B)

Effective radio calls for collision avoidance hinge on three coordinated steps: confirm who you’re talking to, determine whether there is a risk of collision, and agree on a specific action to avoid it. Establishing positive identification prevents acting on the wrong vessel and ensures you know exactly who you’re coordinating with. Agreeing on a rotr situation means both sides share the same assessment of risk based on relative bearing, distance, speed, and maneuverability, so there’s no misinterpretation about whether a collision is likely. Finally, agreeing on an action commits both vessels to a clear, coordinated maneuver or speed change, removing ambiguity about what each side will do next.

The other options miss one or more of these essential pieces. One option only mentions agreeing on an action, which leaves identification and risk assessment uncovered. Another option includes reporting position but omits the need to confirm risk and a coordinated action. The last option adds a weather update, which isn’t central to preventing a collision.