Rules of the Road · Steering & Sailing Rules
Under Rule 13, a vessel is overtaking another when she is approaching from a direction more than how many degrees abaft the beam of the vessel being overtaken?
- A30 degrees abaft the beam
- B45 degrees abaft the beam
- C22.5 degrees abaft the beam✓ Correct
- D60 degrees abaft the beam
Explanation
Rule 13(b) defines the overtaking sector as more than 22.5 degrees abaft the beam — the same arc covered by the stern light. If you can see only the stern light of the vessel ahead, you are in the overtaking sector and must keep clear regardless of what other rules might otherwise apply.
Authority: 72 COLREGS Rule 13(b)
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