Rules of the Road · Steering & Sailing Rules
A vessel that is overtaking another begins to draw abeam and eventually moves ahead. At what point does the overtaking obligation end under Rule 13?
- AWhen the overtaking vessel is clearly past and well clear of the overtaken vessel✓ Correct
- BWhen the overtaken vessel can see the overtaking vessel's sidelights
- CWhen the overtaking vessel sounds two short blasts to indicate she is clear
- DAs soon as the overtaking vessel crosses ahead of the overtaken vessel's bow
Explanation
Rule 13(d) states that the overtaking vessel shall keep clear until she is finally past and clear. The obligation persists through the entire overtaking maneuver — there is no intermediate point where the give-way duty switches. The 'past and clear' standard is intentionally high to prevent premature assumption that the maneuver is complete.
Authority: 72 COLREGS Rule 13(d)
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