Rule 13: Overtaking
- Notwithstanding anything contained in the Rules of Part B, Sections I and II, any vessel overtaking any other shall keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken.
- A vessel shall be deemed to be overtaking when coming up with another vessel from a direction more than 22.5 degrees abaft her beam, that is, in such a position with reference to the vessel she is overtaking, that at night she would be able to see only the stern light of that vessel but neither of her sidelights.
- When a vessel is in any doubt as to whether she is overtaking another, she shall assume that this is the case and act accordingly.
- Any subsequent alteration of the bearing between the two vessels shall not make the overtaking vessel a crossing vessel within the meaning of these Rules or relieve her of the duty of keeping clear of the overtaken vessel until she is finally past and clear.
What this means:
Rule 13: Overtaking – Our plain English guide to help you understand & remember this rule.
In an overtaking situation, the usual hierarchy rules fall away, and this rule (13) takes precedence. It specifically refers to the arc created by the 22.5° angle abaft abeam, on either side of the vessel, which co-insides with the stern light coverage required by all vessels in Rule 21: Definitions.
