COLREG Rule 13

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° 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.

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A vessel less than 20m in length (vessel B) is moving along the fairway/narrow channel, impeding the movement of vessel A, which can safely navigate only within the fairway/narrow channel. Which vessel is the stand-on vessel?

The vessel being given way to is vessel A. Rule 9. NARROW CHANNELS (a) A vessel navigating along a narrow channel or fairway shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on its starboard side as is safe and practicable. (b) A vessel of less than 20 meters in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway. (c) A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any other vessel navigating within a narrow channel or fairway. (d) A vessel shall not cross a narrow channel or fairway if such crossing impedes the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within such channel or fairway; the latter vessel may use the sound signal prescribed in Rule 34 (d) if in doubt as to the intention of the crossing vessel. (e) (i) In a narrow channel or fairway when overtaking can take place only if the vessel to be overtaken takes action to permit safe passing, the vessel intending to overtake shall indicate its intention by sounding the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34 (c) (i). The vessel to be overtaken shall, if in agreement, sound the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34 (c) (ii) and take steps to permit safe passing. If in doubt as to the safety of the overtaking, the vessel to be overtaken may sound the signals prescribed in Rule 34 (d); (ii) This Rule does not relieve the overtaking vessel of its obligation under Rule 13 (Overtaking). (f) A vessel nearing a bend or an area of a narrow channel or fairway where other vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction shall navigate with particular alertness and caution and shall sound the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34 (e). (g) Any vessel shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid anchoring in a narrow channel.

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