In this post we continue our discussion of OVERTAKING.

Now we get into specifics.

The International Rules of the Road say that a vessel shall be deemed to be OVERTAKING when coming up with another vessel from a direction more than 22.5 degrees ABAFT her bean, 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 SIDE LIGHTS.

Certainly this could be a question on the exam!

Further you need to know if there is any subsequent alteration of the bearing between the two vessels the OVERTAKING vessel shall not become a CROSSING vessel within the meaning of these Rules or relieve her of the duty of keeping clear of the OVERTAKEN vessel until she has finally past and clear.

Leave it to the US government agency to make it clear as muddy water!

More in next post!

Hugh Simpson