Identify two indicators that a contact may be maneuvering toward close range and how you should respond.

• A. Closing speed increases and rapid bearing changes; respond by increasing surveillance and adjusting course, with readiness to engage if required.
• B. Contact becomes stationary and maintains bearing; respond by decreasing speed.
• C. Contact disappears from radar; respond by assuming safe distance.
• D. Contact signals surrender; respond by halting surveillance.

Answer: (A)

When a contact shows increasing closing speed along with rapid changes in bearing, it’s a telltale sign that the ship is actively maneuvering toward you and closing the distance while altering its relative position quickly. That combination indicates a potential threat closing into weapon range, so the right move is to intensify your watch by increasing surveillance and maintaining a precise track, then adjust your own course or speed to shape the engagement geometry and preserve options. You remain ready to engage if required under your rules of engagement.

If the contact were stationary or maintaining bearing, that would imply it isn’t currently maneuvering toward you, so decreasing speed wouldn’t buy you a tactical advantage. If the contact disappears from radar, you should treat it as a loss of contact and work to reacquire or maintain safe distance, rather than acting on it as a current threat.