What the warning signal ‘Warning-- I don’t understand your intentions’ means at sea

What does "Warning— I don't understand your intentions" really mean out on the water?

If you’ve ever watched two vessels drift into each other’s paths, you know how quickly a calm day can turn tense. The water doesn’t care about schedules, and misread signals can spark near-misses. In the world of COLREGs Rules of the Road, clear communication is a lifeline. The phrase "Warning— I don't understand your intentions" sits at the heart of that lifeline, a direct cue that one vessel is uncertain about what the other plans to do next.

Here’s the thing: ships and boats don’t operate with a universal wink or a hand signal that says “I’ve got this.” Instead, they rely on a mix of rules, hand signals, radio chatter, and— crucially— shared expectations about how maneuvers will be carried out. When a vessel says, in effect, “I don’t understand your navigational plan,” it’s signaling a risk. It’s a plea for clarity before actions are taken that could bring two boats into conflict. In busy waterways, where currents, winds, and traffic patterns pile up, this kind of clarity isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

What the signal implies, and why it matters

To understand the nuance, picture two boats at dusk near a crowded harbor. One boat signals a turn to starboard. The other responds with this warning. The first thought that might flash through your mind: “Are we on the same page?” The warning is a visibility check: the second vessel isn’t sure what the first intends to do, and that ambiguity raises the collision risk. The goal of COLREGs is to prevent exactly that kind of uncertainty from tipping into danger.

So, what does the signal mean in practical terms? It’s not a compliment or a rhetorical flourish. It’s a request for clarity about intended actions. Think of it as similar to a driver honking or flashing lights when a blind corner is approached—except with more variables: currents, tides, wind, and the added layer of vessel size and maneuverability. When one vessel can’t predict the other’s plan, both ships should slow down, re-evaluate, and exchange clearer information before proceeding.

Why the other options don’t fit

If you’re testing yourself on this item, you’ll see why the correct answer is A: The vessel is unsure of your navigational plan.

• B. The vessel turning to starboard — a turn can be communicated by sound signals, lights, or visible movement, but it’s a specific maneuver. The warning signal points to uncertainty about the plan, not a declared action.

• C. The vessel agrees with your navigation — an agreement would imply alignment. The warning, by its very label, signals doubt, not consensus.

• D. The vessel intends to overtake — overtaking is a defined maneuver with its own signaling and rules. A statement of “I don’t understand your intentions” isn’t an overt or agreed-upon overtaking action.

If you’re teaching this to a new mariner or sharing a quick refresher with a crew, the difference is worth anchoring: when there’s confusion, pause. Don’t guess. Confirm.

What to do if you hear or see this signal

If you’re the one asking for the other vessel’s intentions, you’ve got a simple mission: bring clarity without creating more risk. If you’re the vessel hearing the warning, you’ve got a safety duty to respond in a way that reduces uncertainty. Here’s a practical playbook:

• Acknowledge promptly: a quick acknowledgement helps both sides feel the conversation is active. A simple, calm confirmation like, “I hear you. My current plan is to hold course and speed,” can clear the air.

• State your intentions clearly: say exactly what you plan to do next. This isn’t the moment for ambiguous phrases. If your plan is to turn, say so: “I will turn to port to pass astern,” or “I’ll maintain heading and reduce speed.” The goal is to be specific.

• Use conventional means: where possible, use the audio channel you both share (VHF channel 16 for initial contact, then switch to a working channel if needed). If you’re aligning actions visually, ensure your lights and shapes match your intent—running lights, sidelights, and beacons can communicate a lot without a single word.

• Slow down and create separation: reducing speed buys you time. A slower approach means you can adjust more safely to whatever the other vessel does.

• Reassess with a broader view: bring in radar or AIS if you have them. A quick scan of the bigger picture—where is the other vessel in relation to your course, what is the wind and current doing—helps you decide the next move.

• Commit to a mutually understood plan: once you’ve clarified, confirm the shared plan. A short exchange like, “I will hold this bearing; you stay clear by passing to port,” keeps everyone aligned.

• If ambiguity persists, alter course to a safe direction: don’t wait for a perfect solution. It’s better to be conservative for a moment than to gamble with a near-miss.

In short, the moment you hear that warning, you’re in a mini-crisis of communication. The fastest route back to safety is clear language, calm action, and a shared sense of the next move.

A touch of realism: what this looks like in the real world

Let me explain with a quick scenario. Imagine a busy harbor entrance where ferries, fishing boats, and cargo ships all jostle for space. A sailboat is trying to thread the needle between larger vessels. A freighter on a steady, powerful approach isn’t sure what the sailboat plans because the sailboat’s course has shifted slightly and the wind has changed. The freighter’s crew signals a warning that they don’t understand the sailboat’s intentions. The sailboat, hearing the warning, reassesses and states, “I’m bearing away to starboard to clear you; I will maintain a steady speed.” The freighter confirms, and both vessels adjust—one by slowing, the other by altering his path in a predictable, small arc. No banging, no shouting, just a couple of well-placed moves that prevent a collision.

On training days (and let’s be honest, on the water every day), people often forget how fragile the balance is. You might be perfectly confident about your own plan, but if the other boat isn’t sure what you intend, your confidence is wasted. The water rewards predictability and patience. That’s why the craft of good seamanship isn’t just about power or speed; it’s about clear, honest communication.

A few quick tips you can carry with you

• Keep it simple: when you communicate, use clear phrases and avoid jargon that could be misread.

• Use the right tools: VHF radio, AIS, radar, and lights aren’t just garnish; they’re essential to signaling intent.

• Don’t assume; confirm: if a signal seems to indicate confusion, don’t press on with a guess. Clarify first.

• Practice makes confidence: regular, calm communication drills with crew help everyone react without thinking.

A light-hearted aside that still matters

You’ve probably heard the saying that “communication is 90% listening.” On the water, listening isn’t just about hearing words; it’s about reading the whole situation: the tilt of a boat, the splash of wake, the way a vessel’s lights change as it shifts. When a crew member voices a warning that they don’t understand your intentions, it’s your cues—language, tone, and action—that will turn potential trouble into smooth sailing. It’s a moment where human judgment blends with technical rules, and that blend is what keeps everyone safe.

Bringing it back to the core idea

This warning signal isn’t a diagnosis of bad intent; it’s a diagnostic tool for safety. It invites you to bring clarity to the water, to spell out your plan, and to make room for the other vessel to respond with a confident, shared course. The phrase reminds us that sea navigation isn’t a solo performance. It’s a duet where timing, clarity, and mutual understanding steer the outcome.

If you’re revisiting COLREGs Rules of the Road, this point stands out: when one vessel expresses uncertainty, the default move is to slow, speak clearly, and align with shared expectations. The goal isn’t to outmaneuver the other boat through bravado; it’s to keep the channel of communication open so both vessels reach safe harbor.

Key takeaway

Acknowledge, clarify, and adjust. When a vessel says, “Warning— I don’t understand your intentions,” it’s an invitation to pause, explain your plan, and confirm the way forward. In busy waterways, that moment of clarity can be the difference between smooth passage and a close call.

If you want to remember this quickly, think of it as a simple rule of thumb: don’t guess at someone else’s plan. Ask, explain, and agree on the next move. The water rewards clear minds and measured actions, and so do the people who rely on COLREGs to stay safe every day.