@fishst1ck

I agree with you that in most games Escort type missions are usually the most painstaking ones but it all depends on implementation.

Given the nature of seafaring proximity should be incredibly generous (using map 2 to 3 blocks from Escorted ship or just visible on the horizon) but I don't think proximity would even be relevant for this game. As its the open seas there isn't much chance or concern of the escorted ship getting stuck anywhere and just like with Meg or the kraken one the title card for (the target) outpost pops up the enimies would disengage and the voyage be complete.

The escorted ships would be defenseless and unable to engage in battle. On top of that they can self repair but cannot be bailed.

So the player isn't restricted to maintaining a close distance to the escorted ship well defending it nor does the player have to worry about the escorted ship engaging in battle and dying. That said because the escorted ship can't be bailed or defend itself the player still has to properly Escort the ship to complete the mission.