What is the recommended close aboard distance for ships?

The recommended close aboard distance for ships is 600 feet. This distance is considered significant for maintaining safety during maneuvering near other vessels. At 600 feet, crews can effectively assess the actions of nearby ships and make strategic decisions regarding their own navigation to avoid collisions and ensure safety at sea.

This distance allows for a practical margin that balances proximity with the need for reaction time to changing circumstances. Staying within this distance while conducting operations helps ensure adequate situational awareness and provides an opportunity to communicate with other vessels if necessary. It also aligns with common practices outlined in maritime regulations and safety procedures, further underscoring the importance of maintaining this safe distance in various scenarios.

In contrast, distances such as 400 feet or 400 yards may be too close for comfort in specific maritime environments, potentially increasing risk, while 600 yards would be too far to effectively monitor and respond to nearby vessels in a close-operation situation.