COLREGS Rule 13 - OVERTAKING | COLLISION REGULATIONS | MERCHANT NAVY KNOWLEDGE

Summary

The script explains the rules of overtaking vessels, describing the sector within which a vessel is considered to be overtaking another. This sector is defined by a 135-degree area at the stern of the vessel being overtaken, with boundaries drawn 22.5 degrees from the beam on either side. At night, the overtaking vessel can only see the stern light of the vessel it is overtaking, not the sidelights. The overtaking vessel must keep clear, and once overtaken, it cannot alter course and claim to be crossing.

Takeaways

• 😀 A vessel is considered overtaking if it approaches another vessel within a 135-degree sector at its stern.
• 😀 The overtaking sector is defined between two lines, each 22.5 degrees after the beam on either side of the vessel being overtaken.
• 😀 At night, the overtaking vessel can only see the stern light of the vessel being overtaken, not the sidelights.
• 😀 If the overtaking vessel sees the sidelights of the other vessel first, it is not considered an overtaking situation.
• 😀 An overtaking vessel must not interfere with the vessel being overtaken.
• 😀 The overtaking vessel is responsible for maintaining a safe distance and staying clear of the overtaken vessel.
• 😀 Once the overtaking vessel has passed, it cannot alter course and claim to be a crossing vessel.
• 😀 The 135-degree sector for overtaking is crucial for defining the overtaking vessel's position relative to the vessel being overtaken.
• 😀 Overtaking vessels must respect navigation rules to avoid collisions or misunderstandings.
• 😀 Proper communication and visual identification (such as lights) play a key role in determining overtaking situations at night.

Q & A

What is the definition of an overtaking vessel in maritime navigation?

An overtaking vessel is one that is approaching another vessel within a 135-degree sector at the stern of the vessel being overtaken. This sector is defined by two lines that extend 22.5 degrees on either side of the beam of the overtaken vessel.

How is the sector for overtaking defined in maritime rules?

The sector for overtaking is defined as a 135-degree sector at the stern of the vessel being overtaken, with the sector extending 22.5 degrees on either side of the beam of the vessel to be overtaken.

What is the visibility of the overtaking vessel at night?

At night, the overtaking vessel can only see the stern light of the vessel being overtaken. It will not be able to see the sidelights of the overtaken vessel.

What happens if the overtaking vessel sees the sidelights of the vessel being overtaken?

If the overtaking vessel sees the sidelights of the vessel being overtaken, it is no longer considered an overtaking situation but a crossing situation.

What responsibility does the overtaking vessel have in relation to the vessel being overtaken?

The overtaking vessel is responsible for ensuring it does not come into the way of the vessel being overtaken and must maintain a clear distance.

What must the overtaking vessel do once it has overtaken the other vessel?

Once the overtaking vessel has overtaken the other vessel, it must not alter its course and claim to be in a crossing situation.

What is the 135-degree sector related to in overtaking situations?

The 135-degree sector refers to the area within which an overtaking vessel is considered to be approaching the vessel being overtaken, with the sector extending 22.5 degrees from the beam on each side.

Why is it important for the overtaking vessel not to alter its course after overtaking?

It is important for the overtaking vessel not to alter its course after overtaking to avoid creating confusion and to maintain clear and safe navigation, preventing the situation from being misinterpreted as a crossing scenario.

What role does the stern light play in identifying overtaking situations at night?

The stern light helps the overtaking vessel identify that it is overtaking the other vessel, as it will be the only light visible from the overtaken vessel at night.

What should an overtaking vessel do if it sees the sidelights of the vessel it is approaching?

If the overtaking vessel sees the sidelights of the vessel it is approaching, it is no longer an overtaking situation, and the vessels are now in a crossing situation, requiring different navigational rules.