Understanding when a vessel agrees to be overtaken under COLREGs Rule 34 signaling

Overtaking on the Water: When to agree to be overtaken under COLREGs

Let’s start with the simple, practical truth: if you’re being overtaken, you don’t decide when it happens—you respond to the overtaking signal. That signal isn’t a vague suggestion; it’s a formal cue that both vessels use to keep the sea safe and predictable. So the right answer to the question “When should a vessel agree to be overtaken according to signal rules?” is: upon receiving the overtaking signal.

Here’s the thing about COLREGs Rule 34, the overtaking rule. When one vessel wants to overtake another, it must make its intent clear with a standardized signal. It’s not enough to just drift closer and hope the other boat knows what you’re up to. The signal is the cue that says, “I’m coming up on your behind and I plan to pass you.” Without that cue, overtaking is simply too risky— cliffs of waves and shifting currents don’t care about good intentions.

Why this matters on the water

Think about it like this: the sea is a busy two-lane highway in all directions. If a faster vessel tries to overtake without signaling, it’s easy for the other vessel to misread the situation. A sudden change in speed or a turn could put the overtaking boat where it doesn’t belong, creating a near-mmiss or, worse, a collision. The signal is the language both vessels agree on in that moment. It establishes the overtaking maneuver’s intent and gives the vessel being overtaken time to respond with clarity and calm.

A quick tour of the competing options (just to lock it in)

• A. When the vessel is at anchor — Not right. If a vessel is anchored, there’s no room for overtaking. Anchored vessels aren’t maneuvering to pass, so the signaling rule doesn’t kick in. Overtaking requires movement; a stationary situation isn’t the setting for a pass.

• B. When in restricted waters — Also not the cue to rely on. Restricted waters can complicate navigation and leave little room for safe overtaking. Signals still matter, but the larger point is that overtaking isn’t the default operation in tight channels where navigation is constrained.

• C. In international waters only — Not correct. The signaling rule applies wherever overtaking is contemplated, not tied to a particular ocean boundary. The principle travels with COLREGs, crossing borders and flags in one shared system.

• D. Upon receiving the overtaking signal — Right on. That signal is the moment the overtaking plan is formalized. It’s the trigger that tells the overtaken vessel, “Yes, I understand you intend to pass, and I’ll respond to help keep us safe.”

What happens after the signal?

Once the overtaking vessel has issued the signal, the overtaken vessel has a duty to respond in a way that makes the maneuver safe. In practice, this often means:

• Maintaining course and speed, unless doing so would create a hazard.

• Being predictable. Sudden changes in direction or speed can confuse the passing vessel and raise the risk of a collision.

• Providing clear space for the overtaking vessel to pass, especially if you’re in a narrow channel or near hazards.

Of course, there are situations where things change in a heartbeat—the wind shifts, a wake from another vessel arrives, or visibility drops. The key is that both vessels stay communicative and ready to adjust. The overtaking vessel should proceed with the maneuver only once the signal has been acknowledged and the path ahead has been deemed clear.

Some real-world flavor to help you remember

• Overtaking doesn’t mean “I’ll just zoom by and hope you notice.” It’s a negotiated move. The signal is the handshake of the sea, and the response is the other party’s consent to the pass.

• The water doesn’t care about your schedule. If you’re in a busy harbor approach or a shallow channel, take the time to ensure the pass can be made safely. Signals help prevent rushed moves that spike risk.

• Signals can be sound-based, light-based, or sometimes radio-initiated, depending on the vessel’s equipment and the rules of the area. The important bit is that the intention is clear and acknowledged.

Practical tips for staying shipshape in overtaking situations

• Keep a lookout for signs of intent. If you see a vessel behind you that seems to be aligning for a pass, listen for the formal signal (or look for the agreed-upon indicators). Don’t assume intent; verify it with the signaling cue.

• If you’re the overtaken vessel, don’t chase an overtaking vessel or alter course abruptly in response to nothing. Stay steady, give the passer room, and wait for a safe moment to communicate if needed.

• If the signal is unclear or not heard, don’t press ahead. It’s better to wait and clarify than to risk a close-quarters incident. In dense traffic, a brief radio call or a cordial radio exchange can settle ambiguity quickly.

• In channels with limited room, the overtaking should be especially cautious. The goal is to maintain a smooth flow of traffic, not to squeeze through at speed.

A touch of nuance: language on the bridge

Masters and mates know that the bridge crew’s behavior communicates more than any single signal. The signal itself is part of a larger pattern: listen, confirm, act. Some skippers use standard phrases over the VHF to confirm a passing plan. Others rely on a clean sequence of whistles and lights. Either way, the essence is the same: overtaking only after the signal, and overtaken vessels cooperating to allow safe clearance.

Why we keep circling back to the signal

Because it’s the hinge on which safe navigation swings. The signal turns what could be a chaotic “I want to pass” into a predictable, manageable maneuver. It reduces guesswork, minimizes risk, and preserves the smooth flow of traffic at sea. That’s why Rule 34 isn’t a suggestion—it’s a safety mechanism built into how boats share the water.

A few quick takeaways you can carry on deck

• Remember the rule: overtaking must be signaled, and the overtaken vessel should acknowledge and facilitate the maneuver.

• The signaling isn’t tied to location or condition; it’s about the intention to pass and the partners’ ability to communicate that intention clearly.

• In practice, keep your course and speed steady when being overtaken, and provide room for the other vessel to pass safely.

• If anything feels off—the signal isn’t received, or the path isn’t clear—don’t push ahead. Clarity beats boldness on the water.

In the end, overtaking is less about speed and more about communication. The sea rewards those who speak the same language: a clear signal, a thoughtful response, and a safe pass. The next time you’re in a situation where a faster boat is closing in, you’ll know what to listen for, what to expect, and how to keep everyone on board and on the course safe.

If you’re curious to explore more about how these signals play out in different waters and weather, there are plenty of maritime guides and safety resources that break down Rule 34 with real-world examples. The core idea stays steady: overtaking happens only after the signal arrives, and the vessels involved work together to reach the other side of the move safely. That cooperation is what keeps sailors confident and waters calm, no matter the tide.