AN investigation was launched into an incident involving the Southampton-based luxury liner QE2 and a cross-Channel ferry.
The ferry was forced to reduce its speed to avoid a collision in the Dover Strait, said marine investigators.
The liner should have given way in the "close quarters" incident, said the Marine Accident Investigation Branch.
The P&O ferry Pride of Kent had to slow down to allow the QE2 to pass.
The MAIB said it was satisfied with the steps since taken by both companies to prevent accidents in the future.
QE2, with 1,822 passengers and 1,011 crew on board, was travelling from Zeebrugge to Southampton when the incident happened on December 15.
Pride of Kent had left Dover for Calais with 704 passengers and 103 crew, en route to Calais.
Its action allowed the liner to pass 0.6 miles ahead.
The incident was investigated by the chief inspector of marine accidents, who said P&O was to carry out an internal investigation and review bridge procedures throughout the fleet to avoid similar situations in future.
QE2 owner Cunard said it would send a letter to its fleet and improve bridge management training and bridge procedures.
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