What is the rule for overtaking another vessel?

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Multiple Choice

What is the rule for overtaking another vessel?

The main idea is safety in an overtaking situation: the vessel that is overtaking must keep clear of the vessel being overtaken and pass at a safe distance. By convention, this passing is done to the port side (the left side) of the vessel being overtaken, which keeps both vessels on predictable paths. If conditions make it unsafe to pass on that side, the overtaking vessel may pass on the starboard side (the right side) as long as it is safe and does not endanger the other vessel. The overtaken vessel should continue on its course and speed, not adjusting abruptly for the overtaking vessel. Stopping to wait is not the required action. This is why the correct approach emphasizes keeping clear and passing at a safe distance, usually to the port side, with the option to pass to the starboard side if safety requires.

The main idea is safety in an overtaking situation: the vessel that is overtaking must keep clear of the vessel being overtaken and pass at a safe distance. By convention, this passing is done to the port side (the left side) of the vessel being overtaken, which keeps both vessels on predictable paths. If conditions make it unsafe to pass on that side, the overtaking vessel may pass on the starboard side (the right side) as long as it is safe and does not endanger the other vessel. The overtaken vessel should continue on its course and speed, not adjusting abruptly for the overtaking vessel. Stopping to wait is not the required action.

This is why the correct approach emphasizes keeping clear and passing at a safe distance, usually to the port side, with the option to pass to the starboard side if safety requires.

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