Rule13 – Overtaking

Section II – Conduct of vessels in sight of

one another
Rule13 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.

Meaning: It does not make a difference whether any ship ahead of the own vessel has
permitted by signaling that overtaking may take place. As far as the Rules are
concerned especially Rule 13, the overtaking vessel is duty bound to keep clear.

b. A vessel shall be deemed to be overtaking when coming up with another vessel from
a direction more than 22.5° abaft the 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.

Meaning: This part determines whether or not a vessel would be deemed to be

overtaking or not.

In general overtaking is a clear cut understanding, however, in certain circumstances, it

becomes difficult to judge whether a ship is overtaking or not. So this Part clarifies what
is overtaking.
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.

Meaning: Again the same instruction – when in any doubt whether a vessel is
overtaking or not, it is accepted that the vessel is overtaking.

d. Any subsequent alteration of the hearing 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.

Meaning: A vessel which has overtaken another, but is not very clear of the overtaken
vessel, cannot alter her course and cross the bows of the other vessel claiming to be a
crossing vessel.
If a vessel has overtaken then the other vessel would have to be left absolutely clear
and then only the overtaking vessel’s responsibility ends.

Do have a look at this great video explaining this rule:

https://youtu.be/IW6IyEx3OU0