How about if you’re outside the sight of land? The answer is: take a
compass bearing on the other vessel. If the angle decreases, the other vessel will pass in front of you, if the angle decreases, you will pass in front of the other vessel. If speed changes on either vessel the angles will change and the stand-on vessel will be determined according to the pecking order and right-of way-rule.
Pecking order:
Vessel not in command
Vessel restricted in her ability to manuver
Fishing (commercial)
Sailboats(sailing) not under power
Powerboats
In all circumstances, it is incumbent on the skipper to maintain a look out at all times and to observe the rules of right-way as they pertain to the type of vessels involved in the crossing situation.