What is the proper response when approaching another vessel head-on?

When approaching another vessel head-on, the proper response is for both vessels to steer to the right to avoid collision. This practice is based on the "Rules of the Road," which are guidelines designed to ensure safe navigation and reduce the risk of collisions on the water.

By steering to the right, both vessels create a clear path past each other, allowing for a safe passage. This maneuver is akin to how vehicles on the road keep to the right and typically involves turning starboard (the right side of a vessel) to maintain a safe distance and orientation from one another.

Other responses, such as accelerating to pass quickly or stopping immediately, do not address the need for a coordinated maneuver to avoid collision effectively. Similarly, one vessel turning left while the other turns right could create confusion and increase the risk of a collision rather than preventing one. Hence, steering to the right is the most effective and recognized practice in this situation.