During overtaking, which vessel is the give-way vessel?

During overtaking, which vessel is the give-way vessel?

• A. The vessel being overtaken
• B. The Stand-On Vessel
• C. The Vessel on Starboard Side
• D. The Overtaking Vessel

Answer: (D)

When two vessels are in an overtaking situation, the responsibility to take action and avoid a collision lies with the overtaking vessel. The vessel that is overtaking must keep clear of the vessel being overtaken, because the overtaking maneuver is the one that requires defensive actions to pass safely. The stand-on vessel should maintain its course and speed unless there’s a risk of collision, but it does not take the lead in avoiding. The vessel on the starboard side applies to crossing situations, not overtaking. So the give-way vessel in overtaking is the one that is actively passing—the overtaking vessel.

When two vessels are in an overtaking situation, the responsibility to take action and avoid a collision lies with the overtaking vessel. The vessel that is overtaking must keep clear of the vessel being overtaken, because the overtaking maneuver is the one that requires defensive actions to pass safely. The stand-on vessel should maintain its course and speed unless there’s a risk of collision, but it does not take the lead in avoiding. The vessel on the starboard side applies to crossing situations, not overtaking. So the give-way vessel in overtaking is the one that is actively passing—the overtaking vessel.