Why a fleet may avoid an enemy coast

Could a fleet force an enemy to fight by threatening a major port close to its coast?

Possibly, but doing so exposes the fleet to mines, submarines, torpedoes, and air attack; the commander must ask what the risk would achieve.

Minefields, submarines, torpedo attacks, and aircraft form layered dangers for a fleet operating close to Germany. The logic resembles Japanese and German hopes of drawing stronger fleets into waters where they could be worn down. A commander must weigh what a risky coastal operation would gain against the advantages it would surrender.