What is the best method to avoid a collision with another vessel?

Maintaining a proper lookout and following right-of-way rules is crucial for avoiding collisions on the water. By keeping a vigilant watch for other vessels, you can detect potential hazards before they become critical. This involves not just looking ahead but also scanning around and behind your vessel to gain a comprehensive view of the surroundings.

Following right-of-way rules is essential for establishing predictable movements among vessels, which helps prevent misunderstandings that could lead to collisions. These rules help dictate who has the priority in various situations (such as when two vessels are approaching each other), allowing boaters to act in a way that minimizes risk.

The other methods listed do not provide as effective a strategy for collision avoidance. Constantly signaling with your horn, while useful in some circumstances, does not replace the need for awareness and adherence to navigation rules. Speeding up to escape a situation could lead to reckless behavior and increase the risk of an accident, rather than avoiding one. Relying solely on navigational lights is important for nighttime visibility, but this does not substitute for active observation and decision-making during daylight or in busy waters.