You are navigating in a narrow channel and must remain within it for safety. Another vessel crosses ahead from your starboard, and you doubt a safe passage. What should you do?

When you are navigating in a narrow channel and encounter another vessel crossing ahead from your starboard side with the concern over safe passage, sounding the danger signal is the appropriate action. This signal, typically one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts, serves as a warning to the other vessel of potential danger and alert them to your concern regarding the navigation situation.

In such scenarios, communication and alert measures are essential to ensure maritime safety. The danger signal indicates to the other vessel that you may not be able to proceed safely and that they should take caution or maneuver accordingly. Sounding this signal helps to establish awareness of the risk and prompts the other vessel to respond, which could help to prevent a collision.

Moreover, the risk inherent in narrow channels often necessitates close attention to the vessels around you. The option to stop engines may be beneficial in specific circumstances; however, it is not necessary to accompany this with a danger signal unless conditions warrant such a precaution. Thus, signaling to indicate your situation reflects responsible navigation practices required in ensuring safety on the water.