What does the 'blue water' policy refer to?

The 'blue water' policy primarily refers to the strategy of a nation to project its naval power across open oceans, typically involving the protection of its maritime interests and trade routes far from its home territory. Mutual support between the royal and merchant navy aligns with this idea, as it highlights the importance of collaboration between naval forces and commercial shipping. A strong relationship between these two branches enhances the security of trade routes and ensures that naval assets can effectively protect merchant shipping from threats such as piracy or potential naval engagements.

This mutual support signifies a comprehensive strategy that allows for operational flexibility, situational awareness, and effective resource allocation when securing maritime interests in international waters. In contrast, the other options don't accurately capture the essence of the 'blue water' policy as they either focus on specific tactical maneuvers, alliances, or economic considerations unrelated to the principle of naval power projection and protection of trade.