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 relieve her of the duty of keeping clear of
the overtaken vessel until she is finally past and clear.

Rule 13 - Overtaking

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Rule 13 - Overtaking
Overtaking

another vessel

Rule 13, (a)

The overtaking vessel keeps out of the way

Rule 13 is exclusive
Rule 13 applies to any vessel overtaking:

Power-driven vessels
Sailing vessels
Seaplanes
WIG crafts
Vessels NUC
Vessels restricted to manoeuvre
Vessels constrained by their draught
Fishing vessels

Rule 13 - Overtaking
Overtaking another vessel

Rule 13, (a)

General considerations
The main responsibility in an overtaking situation lays by the
overtaking vessel
The overtaking vessel normally proceeds at a higher speed
and,
The speed of approach is rather limited
The overtaking vessel can easily keep out of the way by a helm
action or by an engine action
In a narrow channel or fairway, both vessels should agree on
the best overtaking manoeuvre
In an overtaking manoeuvre always beware for interaction
between both vessels
In a narrow channel or near a shallow, banc suction should also
be considered

Rule 13 - Overtaking
Overtaking another vessel
Stand-on
vessel

Give-way
vessel

Rule 13, (a)

The vessel that is overtaking is the

give-way vessel, regardless of the
type of vessel (power-driven
vessel, sailing vessel, vessel
engaged in fishing, etc. and
regardless of its size and speed)
The vessel being overtaken is
always the stand-on vessel
5

Rule 13 - Overtaking
Overtaking another vessel

Rule 13, (a)

Power-driven vessel overtaking another power-driven vessel

Stand-on vessel

Give-way vessel

Rule 13 - Overtaking

Overtaking another vessel

Rule 13, (a)

Power-driven vessel overtaking another power-driven vessel

Rule 13 - Overtaking

Overtaking another vessel

Rule 13, (a)

Power-driven vessel overtaking another power-driven vessel

Rule 13 - Overtaking
Overtaking another vessel

Rule 13, (a)

Sailing vessel overtaking a power-driven vessel

Rule 13 overrides Rule Rule 18 (a) (iv)

Stand-on vessel

A sailing vessel should preferably

overtake another vessel on its windward
side, not to be cut off when abeam of the
vessel.
It should pass at a reasonable distance
not to drift towards the overtaken ship.

Give-way vessel

Rule 13 - Overtaking
Overtaking another vessel

Rule 13, (a)

Sailing vessel overtaking a power-driven vessel

10

Rule 13 - Overtaking
Overtaking another vessel

Rule 13, (a)

Power-driven vessel overtaking a sailing vessel

Stand-on
vessel

The sailing vessel will be normally drifting

to the East
Consequently, the power-driven vessel
should, preferably, overtake the sailing
vessel on her port side

Give-way
vessel

11

Rule 13 - Overtaking
Overtaking another vessel

Rule 13, (a)

Sailing vessel overtaking a sailing vessel

Stand-on
vessel

Rule 13 overrides Rule 12

The overtaking sailing vessel must
always take action, notwithstanding the
point of sailing of both vessels

Give-way
vessel

The give-way vessel being the larger

vessel, she will probably drift more to the
East and consequently, overtake the
stand-on vessel on het starboard side

12

Rule 13 - Overtaking
Overtaking another vessel

Rule 13, (a)

Rule 13 also applies to vessels proceeding along a narrow

channel or a traffic lane
These vessels must consequently keep out of the way of
any vessel they are overtaking including :
Sailing vessels
Small power-driven vessels
Vessels engaged in fishing

13

Rule 13 - Overtaking
Overtaking another vessel

Rule 13, (a)

Rule 13 has precedence over Rule 18

A vessel listed in any of the categories in Rule 18 must
keep out of the way of any vessel which she is overtaking
Thus:

power-driven vessels
sailing vessels
seaplanes
WIG crafts
vessels NUC
vessels restricted to manoeuvre
vessels constrained by their draught
fishing vessels

must keep out of the way of any vessel they are overtaking

14

Rule 13 - Overtaking
Overtaking another vessel

Rule 13, (a)

Rule 13 has precedence over Rule 18

Is it justified that a vessels NUC, restricted to manoeuvre or constrained
by their draught must take action when overtaking another vessel ????

According to Rule 2 (b), a vessel which is being overtaken by a NUC-vessel should

take the necessary measures to avoid risk of collision
15

Rule 13 - Overtaking
Overtaking another vessel

Rule 13, (a)

Rule 13 has precedence over Rule 18

According to Rule 2 (b), a vessel which is being overtaken by a vessel restricted in her
ability to manoeuvre should take the necessary measures to avoid risk of collision 16

Rule 13 - Overtaking
Overtaking another vessel

Rule 13, (a)

Rule 13 has precedence over Rule 18

According to Rule 2 (b), a vessel which is being overtaken by a vessel constrained by

her draught should take the necessary measures to avoid risk of collision
17

Rule 13 - Overtaking
Overtaking another vessel

Rule 13, (a)

Rule 13 has precedence over Rule 18

When intending to overtake another vessel
in a narrow channel or fairway, make the
signals prescribed in Rule 34 (c)

A judicious use of VHF is recommended, especially if the overtaking

vessel is a NUC-vessel, a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre
or a vessel constrained by her draft
18

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Rule 13 - Overtaking
Overtaking another vessel

Rule 13, (a)

Rule 13 has precedence over Rule 18

Make an appropriate sound signal
(Rule 34 (d)) or use VHF if unable to
avoid risk of collision with overtaking
vessel

19

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Rule 13 - Overtaking
When is a vessel overtaking

(Rule 13 (b))

20

Rule 13 - Overtaking

When is a vessel overtaking

Crossing
Give-way vessel

Head-on
vessel

Crossing
Give-way vessel

Overtaking
zone 135

(Rule 13 (b))

Crossing
Stand-on vessel

Crossing
Stand-on vessel

Overtaking
Give-way vessel
Overtaking
Give-way vessel

Overtaking
Give-way vessel

21

Rule 13 - Overtaking
When is a vessel overtaking

(Rule 13 (b))

22
The red vessel sees the sternlight of the green vessel
and no sidelight. She is in the overtaking sector of the
green vessel and must take avoiding action. She can
pass behind the green vessel or ahead of her at a great
distance (This last avoiding action is not recommended).

Rule 13 - Overtaking
In doubt whether or not overtaking
Vessel 2 is definitely
overtaking vessel A. Vessel
3 and 4 are definitely
crossing vessels
Vessels 1 and 3 find
themselves on the border of
seeing or NOT seeing
vessel As sternlight.
Therefore, several doubtful
situations can occur
(See following slide)

(Rule 13 (c))

A
2

4
23

Rule 13 - Overtaking
In doubt whether or not overtaking

(Rule 13 (c))

Vessel A considers herself as being

overtaken so that she should stand-on.
Vessels 1 and 3 should give-way
Vessel A considers herself as being
crossing, so she should give-way for
vessel 3

Vessels 1 and 3 consider themselves as

overtaking vessel A, so they should give
way. Vessel A should stand-on
Vessel 1, whether crossing or
overtaking should give way for vessel A
If vessel 3 considers herself as
overtaking, she should give way for
vessel A and A should stand-on.
If vessel 3 considers herself as
crossing, she should stand-on and
vessel A should give-way

24

Rule 13 - Overtaking
In doubt whether or not overtaking

(Rule 13 (c))

With so many possibilities in case of doubt, whether a vessel is overtaking or

crossing (vessels 1 and 3 in previous slide), Rule 13 (c) is very clear; she
should consider herself as overtaking
The OOW should not only look ahead of his ship but also astern
In case of doubt, judicious use of VHF is also recommended. For vessels
identification, make adequate use of the AIS

25

Rule 13 - Overtaking
Finally

past and clear

Rule 13 (d)

Stern of overtaking vessel has past bow of

vessel being overtaken
Vessels do not approach each other any more
Overtaken vessel can alter course freely without
creating a new danger of collision
Be careful of interaction
26

Rule 13 - Overtaking
Finally past and clear

Rule 13 (d)

2 miles
5 miles

In B1 the distance between the two vessels is 5 miles. Although B1 is in the overtaking
sector of A1, the distance is too big and there is no risk of collision.
In B3, the distance is only 2 miles and B3 is now considered to be a crossing vessel.
There is now risk of collision and according to Rule 15, B3 is the stand-on vessel and
A3 the give-way vessel. A3 must take adequate action.
27

Rule 13 - Overtaking
Finally past and clear

Rule 13 (d)

WRONG

OK

OK
OK

Overtaking

Past and clear

Overtaking

28

Rule 13 - Overtaking
Finally past and clear

Rule 13 (d)

WRONG

Vessel B1 is in the overtaking sector of vessel A1 and about 1 mile from vessel A.
In position 2, vessels are still about 1 mile apart. If vessel B decides to turn to port
on a crossing course, she shall still be assumed to be overtaking although she has
left the overtaking sector. She shall therefore take appropriate action to keep clear
of vessel A

29

Rule 13 - Overtaking
Finally past and clear

Rule 13 (d)

The distance at which the Rules apply depends mainly on the speed of
approach and on the sizes of the vessels.
For two slow vessels, on similar courses and little difference of speed, it may
be less than a mile

30

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Rule 13 - Overtaking
Finally past and clear

Rule 13 (d)

In narrow channels and fairways, very often there is a pilot on board who
is completely familiarized with the overtaking procedures
See Rule 9 (e) (i) and (ii) and Rule 34 (c) (i), (c) (ii) and 34 (d)

31
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Rule 13 - Overtaking
Finally past and clear

Rule 13 (d)

The same remarks apply to vessels in a Traffic Separation

Scheme where vessels have a tendency to overtake each other
at close quarters (sometimes one cable or less which definitely
is not a safe overtaking distance)

32
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Rule 13 - Overtaking
Finally past and clear

Rule 13 (d)

This is a proper overtaking procedure

33
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Rule 13 - Overtaking
Finally past and clear

Rule 13 (d)

Risk of collision is not yet over, even if the overtaking vessel has past
the bow of the overtaken vessel

34

Rule 13 - Overtaking
Action

by overtaking vessel

Positive action in ample time

Avoid crossing ahead
Generally alter course and speed:

To pass astern or
To follow parallel courses

Assume to be overtaking until overtaken vessel

is finally past and clear
35

Rule 13 - Overtaking
Action by overtaking vessel

36

Rule 13 - Overtaking
Action by overtaking vessel

37

Rule 13 - Overtaking

Action by overtaking vessel - Interaction

Beware of interaction when overtaking

sciencenet-mc.de

Interaction can especially occur when vessels overtake each other at close
distance or when a vessel is too close of a bank or shallow. It varies with
the size and speed of the vessel and with the depth of water.
For more details, see Rule 6, slides 32 and further.

Overtaking vessels are more affected by interaction than

38
vessels meeting on reciprocal courses

Rule 13 - Overtaking
Action by overtaking vessel - Signals
Overtaking signals must only be
given in a narrow channel or
fairway, when the overtaken
vessel has to take action to
permit safe passing (see Rule 9
(e) (i) and (ii).
The overtaking signals are given
in Rule 34 (c) (i) and (ii) and Rule
34 (d).
39
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