The other skipper’s shoes

Out at sea, a ship is approaching. You’ve decided you’re on a steady bearing and are the give-way vessel. In theory, it’s enough to make a modest alteration of course, just large enough to satisfy yourself that the risk of collision no longer exists. If the other skipper behaves like an automaton, that’ll do nicely. The trouble is, he’s flesh and blood like you and he’s sitting up there wondering, ‘Has this guy done the right thing or not?’ Put yourself in his shoes and leave him in no doubt. It’s a good idea to show him your other sidelight if it’s dark. In daylight, twenty or thirty degrees followed by a steady course should clear up any doubt in his mind.