COLREGs Rule 13: Overtaking

Rule 13 says any vessel overtaking another must keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken. This applies to every vessel, sail or power, and overrides the other steering rules.

What Rule 13 says

1. Despite anything in Sections I and II, any vessel overtaking any other shall keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken.
2. You are overtaking when coming up from more than 22.5° abaft the other vessel's beam, so that at night you would see only its stern light.
3. If in doubt whether you are overtaking, assume you are.
4. A later change of bearing does not turn it into a crossing situation. You stay the give-way vessel until finally past and clear.

This is a plain-English summary, not the official wording. For the exact text, see the IMO convention. In UK waters the rules are given legal force by the Merchant Shipping (Distress Signals and Prevention of Collisions) Regulations.

What it means on a yacht

A sailing yacht overtaking a slow motor boat must keep clear of it. 'Power gives way to sail' does not apply when you are the one overtaking.

Practise it

Test yourself on who gives way in the free COLREGs trainer, or print the rules of the road cheat sheets for the chart table.

Other rules in Part B

• Rule 4: Application of Section I
• Rule 5: Look-out
• Rule 6: Safe speed
• Rule 7: Risk of collision
• Rule 8: Action to avoid collision
• Rule 9: Narrow channels
• Rule 10: Traffic separation schemes
• Rule 11: Application of Section II
• Rule 12: Sailing vessels
• Rule 14: Head-on situation
• Rule 15: Crossing situation
• Rule 16: Action by give-way vessel
• Rule 17: Action by stand-on vessel
• Rule 18: Responsibilities between vessels
• Rule 19: Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility

Frequently asked questions