The sooner the ship driver sees you the better, and since you can usually tell where the ship is going, the sooner you take steps to avoid a ship the safer you will be. The consequences of disobeying these regulations are very serious for any ship's deck officer. Constantly watching out the windows, having the radar working and keeping an eye on the radar screen, listening to the radios, encouraging the seaman at the wheel to report any boats he sees, and staying focused on the job are all parts of keeping a safe lookout. The deck officer's expectation, with regard to other large vessels, is that the other ship is being maneuvered by someone who has to obey the same regulations. With regard to small boats, the ship's officer has no idea at all what that boat might do.
Small boats can move very erratically and they can become erratic very quickly.
Other ferry officers who work between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen tell me that Active Pass is similarly hectic. Constant Vigilance is required. Be aware of what is around you, especially behind. Wind conditions can muffle the sound of large diesel engines approaching. Small blue, green, white or grey boats tend to blend in and can be very difficult to see in the water.