In an overtaking situation at sea, which vessel has the right of way?

In an overtaking situation at sea, which vessel has the right of way?

• A. The vessel on the port side
• B. The overtaking vessel
• C. The vessel being overtaken
• D. The vessel on the starboard side

Answer: (C)

In an overtaking situation, the vessel being overtaken has the right of way. The rule for overtaking says the overtaking vessel must keep well clear of the vessel being overtaken until the overtaking maneuver is complete. This means the other vessel continues on its course and speed without having to yield, while the overtaking vessel is responsible for adjusting course or speed to pass behind and avoid impeding the vessel ahead. The idea is to prevent any confusion about who should maneuver when one boat is coming up from behind. In contrast, the other scenarios from crossing or head-on rules don’t apply here. The focus in overtaking is on the obligation of the overtaking vessel to stay clear, not on the vessel being overtaken changing course or giving way. So the vessel being overtaken is the one that has the right of way.

In an overtaking situation, the vessel being overtaken has the right of way. The rule for overtaking says the overtaking vessel must keep well clear of the vessel being overtaken until the overtaking maneuver is complete. This means the other vessel continues on its course and speed without having to yield, while the overtaking vessel is responsible for adjusting course or speed to pass behind and avoid impeding the vessel ahead. The idea is to prevent any confusion about who should maneuver when one boat is coming up from behind.

In contrast, the other scenarios from crossing or head-on rules don’t apply here. The focus in overtaking is on the obligation of the overtaking vessel to stay clear, not on the vessel being overtaken changing course or giving way. So the vessel being overtaken is the one that has the right of way.