ROR - Rule 13 Overtaking

Section II – Conduct of vessel in sight of one another

Rule 13 - Overtaking

(a) 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.

(b) 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 sternlight of that vessel but neither of her sidelights.

(c) 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.

(d) 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 reliever her of the duty of keeping clear of the overtaken vessel until she is finally past and clear.


Questions & Answers

Q1. What's classed as an overtaking vessel?
A1. When you're coming up on another vessel MORE than 22.5 degrees abaft the beam.

Q2. What light will you see at night if you're overtaking another vessel?
A2. The sternlight of the other vessel.

Q3. What are your priorities when overtaking another vessel?
A3. To keep well clear of the vessel being overtaken until well past and clear.

Q4. What distance would you say is well past and clear?
A4. At least 4 miles.

Q5. If you're overtaking another vessel and now you're abeam of the other vessel are you overtaking or crossing?
A5. You're still an overtaking vessel until well past and clear

Q6. If you're in any vessel and any vessel is overtaking you what would you do?
A6. Stand-on with caution keeping your course and speed.

Q7. If you're coming up on a vessel at 22.5 degrees abaft the beam, are you a crossing vessel or overtaking vessel?
A7. You're a crossing vessel, the word MORE is missing.

Q8. If you're overtaking a vessel, you're on his starboard quarter and the other vessel is on your stem, what action will you take?
A8. Take the shortest course, sound 2 short blasts on the whistle and make an early and bold alteration to port and go around the other vessel's stern.

Q9. If you're overtaking a vessel, you're on his port quarter and the other vessel is on your stem, what action will you take?
A9. Take the shortest course, sound 1 short blast on the whistle and make an early and bold alteration to starboard and go around the other vessel's stern.

Q10. If you're coming up on a vessel, and one minute you're seeing his sternlight, then his sidelight, then his sternlight, is this a crossing situation or an overtaking situation?
A10. This is an overtaking situation.