[frobozz]

Also:

> The prevailing wisdom for this seafaring situation is “Don’t Stop.”

The law is to render assistance. That law was based on prevailing wisdom.

Apparently the author moves in different circles to the rest of seafaring folk.

[mcv]

I think it really depends on where you are. There are still many places in the world where piracy is real, and where distress can be used to lure naive victims. In other places, piracy isn't an issue and you're legally required to offer help.