What should vessels NOT do if another vessel is forward of their beam?

When a vessel encounters another vessel forward of its beam, it is crucial to understand navigational rules and the proper actions required to avoid a potential collision. Turning to port when another vessel is forward of your beam is generally not advisable because it could place you in the path of the other vessel, thereby increasing the risk of a collision. According to navigational rules, when a vessel is crossing in front of another, the safest maneuver typically involves adjusting course away from the other vessel to ensure clear passage and visibility.

The other available actions, such as adjusting course to starboard or maintaining speed, might keep your vessel clear of the other vessel and promote safe maneuvering. Speeding up, while it might seem like a quick solution to avoid collision, can complicate the situation by reducing reaction time and making navigation riskier. Therefore, turning to port is not recommended in this scenario, as it could lead directly to a collision rather than safely avoiding it.