When a vessel is being overtaken, the overtaking vessel must give way under COLREGs Rule 13.

Rule 13: Who Gives Way When a Vessel Is Overtaken?

Let me set a scene you’ve probably pictured more than once: you’re cruising along a busy waterway, another vessel is closing in from behind, and suddenly the question pops up in your mind—who has to give way here? It’s a classic moment that tests not just knowledge, but calm, clear judgment on the helm.

What Rule 13 actually says

The short answer is simple, once you see it in the right light: the overtaking vessel is the one required to give way. In COLREGs terminology, when one vessel is overtaking another, the overtaking vessel must keep clear of the vessel being overtaken.

Think of it this way: the vessel being overtaken should stay on its current course and speed unless there’s a compelling reason to change. The job of making space and avoiding a collision falls to the overtaking vessel. It’s not that the overtaken vessel has to swing away or suddenly zig-zag; rather, the responsibility to avoid the situation lies with the follower, the overtaker.

Why this rule exists, more than just a line on a page

Safety. Simplicity. Predictability. Those are the big themes behind Rule 13. When a boat is coming up from behind and wants to pass, you want one clear path of action, not a confusing flurry of last-minute moves from both boats. If the overtaking vessel knows it must pass cleanly, it can pick a safe moment, adjust speed smoothly, and slide by without forcing the lead vessel to make abrupt changes. That predictability keeps everyone on a steady course and reduces the chance of an awkward near-miss in a crowded channel or around a bend where visibility is limited.

The flip side is just as important to remember: the vessel being overtaken doesn’t owe the overtaker a dramatic change in direction or speed. Its job is to keep its current course and maintain a safe speed, so the overtaker isn’t surprised by any sudden maneuver. Clear roles reduce confusion, especially when visibility is poor or the seas are choppy.

What this means in real-world sailing

Let’s bring this to life with a few practical angles. You’re cruising along a busy harbor entrance. A smaller vessel is closing in from your stern, trying to overtake. If you’re the overtaken vessel, your best move is straightforward: keep steady on your course and speed. Don’t swing wide just because someone is trying to pass you. Keep a vigilant lookout, maintain your heading, and give them the space they need to pass safely.

If you’re the overtaking vessel, your responsibility is to keep well clear. Don’t rush the pass. Don’t cut in too tight. Give yourself ample room to adjust if the other vessel changes course or speed. And if the conditions are windy or current a bit squirrely, take that extra space you need. A slow, deliberate maneuver now beats a close-quarters encounter later.

A few common sense steps you can tuck into your routine

• Identify the overtaking situation early. If someone is closing from behind and above your wake, they’re the overtaking vessel.

• Plan your pass with ample room. Think “safety margin” more than “speed.”

• Communicate if it’s practical. A quick sound signal or a visible indicator of your intention to change course can reduce uncertainty, especially in poor visibility or through narrow channels.

• Keep lookouts up. Even with a plan, you want fresh eyes to catch unexpected movements.

• Adjust smoothly, not abruptly. The sea isn’t a racetrack; smooth changes reduce the risk of a misread by either vessel.

• If you realize you’re about to close in too tight, back off a bit. You can never overestimate the value of extra space.

A few scenarios to consider

• Narrow channels: Overtaking gloves come off with the risk of collision, so distance matters more than drama. The overtaker should take a wider, slower pass, and the overtaken vessel should keep its line unless there’s a genuine reason to move.

• Large ships vs. small craft: The larger vessel often has less nimbleness, so the smaller, overtaking vessel must give them ample room and avoid forcing a maneuver that could surprise the big ship’s crew.

• Reduced visibility: In fog or at dusk, the need for space is even more acute. The overtaking vessel should err on the side of caution and ensure it can complete the pass without closing in dangerously.

• Current and tide effects: If water pushes you toward or away from the overtaken vessel, you may need extra distance or a different passing angle to stay clear.

A helpful mental model

Think of overtaking like a passing lane on a highway, but with a bit more patience and a bit less hurry. The car behind (the overtaker) has to merge into a gap without forcing the lead car to move. The lead car keeps its lane and pace. If you’re behind and trying to pass, you must wait until you see a safe space to move over. If you’re the lead car, you keep cruising and watch for the pass, but you don’t have to swerve out of the way unless there’s a real risk.

What about the “right of way” idea?

COLREGs clearly frame who must give way, and in overtaking, the emphasis is on the overtaking vessel to keep clear. It’s a practical application of the broader principle: every vessel should navigate so that movements are predictable to others. Clear, courteous, and deliberate action minimizes the chance of misinterpretation in tense or changing conditions.

A quick takeaway you can hold onto

• In an overtaking situation, the overtaking vessel must keep clear of the vessel being overtaken.

• The overtaken vessel should maintain its course and speed, staying vigilant.

• Safe, predictable, and deliberate action—every time—helps prevent collisions.

• In busy waters, give extra space and communicate if possible to smooth the passage.

A few more thoughts to tie it all together

If you’re ever unsure, remind yourself of two things: space and clarity. Space to pass safely, and clarity so everyone knows what’s happening. That clarity often comes from simply maintaining your own course and speed unless you need to adjust to keep the opposite vessel safe. It’s not about winning the race; it’s about everyone arriving safe and sound.

For those who like to connect this rule to a bigger picture, Rule 13 sits alongside other “give way” rules that govern crossings and head-on situations. It’s easy to treat these as isolated facts, but they’re really parts of a single safety philosophy: vessels should move in ways that reduce surprises and build a shared understanding of intent. When the harbor wakes up with activity—ferries, fishing boats, sailboats, freighters—Rule 13 acts like a quiet, steady guide rail, helping vessels pass without collisions or near-misses.

A quick note on resources

If you want to dig deeper, the International Maritime Organization and national coast guards maintain up-to-date manuals of the COLREGs. Many mariners turn to practical handbooks and navigation apps that sketch scenarios, allowing you to test how you’d respond before you’re actually on the water. Reading stories from real encounters can also help you see how these rules get applied when currents, wind, and traffic mix in unpredictable ways.

Final thought

Overtaking is one of those little moments that reveals how well someone can stay calm under pressure. It’s not about clever tricks or last-minute gambits; it’s about adhering to a clear rule and letting it guide your decisions. When you’re behind a vessel, think: I need to give way. When you’re the lead, think: I’ll hold my course and watch for the pass. And if you keep that simple compass in mind, you’ll navigate the gray zones of coastal water like a seasoned pro.

If this topic sparks more questions for you, you’re not alone. It’s one of those essentials that show up in every scenario on the water—from quiet estuaries to busy bays. So the next time you’re out there, take a moment to test your instinct: who’s overtaking, who must give way, and how will you keep the passage safe for everyone involved?