Approaching with intent to communicate is 100yards, basically with your bow pointed directly at the military vessel, and operationally, it is 500yards, i.e. passing in a Chanel or waterway. At sea (international waters), its best to keep at least a mile. Not enough witnesses out there if you get sunk. If you have issued an SOS, Mayday or have a disabled vehicle, a military vessel will usually birth a support vessel to insure the safety of your vessel and wait with you until either a private or public assistance comes to your aid, unless the military vessel is in route to a mission way-point, at which point they will literally run you over if you are disabled and in their way.
Approaching with intent to communicate is 100yards, basically with your bow pointed directly at the military vessel, and operationally, it is 500yards, i.e. passing in a Chanel or waterway. At sea (international waters), its best to keep at least a mile. Not enough witnesses out there if you get sunk. If you have issued an SOS, Mayday or have a disabled vehicle, a military vessel will usually birth a support vessel to insure the safety of your vessel and wait with you until either a private or public assistance comes to your aid, unless the military vessel is in route to a mission way-point, at which point they will literally run you over if you are disabled and in their way.