What to do when your vessel is being overtaken: maintain speed until a safe distance is created

Outline

• A quick scene on the water to set the stage

• The core rule: when you’re being overtaken, you should maintain speed and course

• Why this approach keeps everyone safe

• What you should not do as the overtaken vessel

• Practical tips you can use on real days at sea

• A simple, dependable checklist for overtaking situations

Being overtaken: keep your cool and stay steady

Let’s picture a calm morning on the water. You’re piloting a small fishing boat, or perhaps a cruising yacht, and an approaching vessel starts to fall into your wake from behind. You’ve got a decision to make, and it’s one that can literally steer the day toward safety or trouble. In maritime rules, there’s a clear winner in these moments: the vessel being overtaken should keep its speed and course steady until the other boat has passed safely. It’s Rule 13 in action—the overtaken vessel keeps things predictable so the overtaker can maneuver with confidence.

Why “stay steady” is the right move

You might wonder, why not speed up, slow down, or swing to one side to shorten the passing distance? The reason is simple: sudden changes can confuse the overtaking boat. If you yank the wheel, alter your speed, or zigzag, the other navigator may misjudge distance or timing. That confusion can lead to a collision, especially when visibility is limited by weather, glare off the water, or traffic from other directions.

By keeping a steady course and speed, you give the overtaking vessel a clean, unambiguous window to pass. It’s not about who has the right of way in every moment; it’s about reducing the chances of a misread or a near-miss. The overtaking boat bears the responsibility of passing safely, but your job as the overtaken vessel is to provide a stable, predictable environment for that pass.

A practical way to think about it is this: you’re the steady brick wall in a lane change. The other boat is the driver who needs to complete the maneuver without guessing your next move. You don’t know what wind shifts, current quirks, or nearby traffic might do next, so consistency becomes your best safety feature.

What you should not do when you’re being overtaken

• Don’t alter course to port or starboard to “help” the overtaking vessel. Changing direction can confuse the other boat and invite collision or miscommunication.

• Don’t speed up or slow down abruptly. A sudden change can create a ripple effect of miscalculations for the passing vessel.

• Don’t assume you’re immune to action. Even though you have the right of way in the moment, you still need to be ready to respond to unexpected moves from other traffic or to respond if the overtaker misreads the distance.

• Don’t rely on signals alone. If the passing vessel’s crew is signaling, take note, but your primary obligation remains keeping a steady speed and course.

A few real-world touches that help in practice

• Keep a proper lookout. Good situational awareness isn’t glamorous, but it’s essential. Watch the other vessel’s speed, distance, and any changing weather that could affect their path.

• Use the radio when it helps. If conditions are tight or visibility is reduced, you can make prudent calls via radio (VHF Channel 16 for hails, then move to a working channel if needed) to confirm passing intentions. Clear communication reduces surprises.

• Be mindful of traffic around you. In busy waterways, a third vessel may approach from an angle you didn’t anticipate. Staying steady helps everyone stay coordinated.

• Respect the overtaker’s job too. The other boat must plan its approach to pass safely. If you notice they’re slowing or veering, it’s a sign they’re aiming for a clear window, not that you should race them.

A quick, practical checklist you can tuck into your pocket guide

• If you’re being overtaken:

• Maintain your speed and course.

• Keep a vigilant lookout for the approaching vessel’s position and timing.

• Do not make sudden moves that could mislead the other boat.

• Be ready to respond calmly if wind or current shifts.

• If you’re overtaking:

• Do keep a safe distance and finish the pass well clear.

• Stay visible to the overtaken vessel with appropriate sound signals if needed (and lawful under the circumstances).

• Don’t assume the other boat will automatically yield or adjust—signal your intentions early and clearly.

• After passing, ensure you’re clear of any wake and restart safe cruising.

A little context that matters

COLREGs aren’t just dry rules on a page. They’re the shared language of navigation. When you’re out there, it’s about predictability, courtesy, and safety. Imagine two boats on a narrow channel trying to pass one another. If both vessels act unpredictably, the risk of collision climbs quickly. The overtaked vessel holds its line; the overtaking vessel does the maneuvering. It’s a cooperative dance, even when one boat technically has the right of way.

Think of the rule as the practical antidote to panic. Wave patterns, gusts, and chop can test you, but staying steady gives every other mariner a chance to respond correctly. You don’t need fancy gadgets to get this right—your eyes, your hands, and your sound signal discipline do a lot of the heavy lifting. Of course, modern tools like AIS, radar, and a well-tuned VHF radio add clarity, but the core behavior remains straightforward: keep your course, keep your speed, and stay alert.

A few more human touches to keep the cadence

• Have you ever noticed how a small, deliberate steering correction is easier to track than a sudden swerve? That’s the heart of the policy: clarity beats cleverness in the heat of the moment.

• It’s okay to feel a moment of tension. Overtaking situations are exactly when calm, practiced habits shine. If you’ve trained your eyes to scan for the “overtaken” and “overtaking” indicators, you’ll feel more confident when it counts.

• The sea has a way of testing our assumptions. The rules aren’t about winning a race; they’re about ensuring everyone gets home safely. That’s worth a little patience and a steady pace.

Bringing it home

Rule 13’s essence is crisp and practical: be the steady, predictable partner in the passing maneuver. When a vessel is being overtaken, the correct move is to maintain speed and course until the overtaking vessel has safely passed. The overtaking boat bears responsibility for a safe pass, but the overtaken vessel does its part by staying steady and clear.

If you’re new to the water or polishing your seamanship instincts, this emphasis on predictability is a great anchor. You’ll notice that many don’t realize how much confidence comes from simply staying the course. It’s not flashy, but it’s incredibly effective.

So next time you’re on the water and someone slides up behind you, take a breath, hold your line, and let the other boat do its passing. You’ll likely see that the simplest approach—steadiness—does more good than a dozen quick maneuvers. And in the end, isn’t safety the best destination of all?