Who must give way when a vessel is being overtaken?

The correct answer is that the overtaking vessel must give way. According to the COLREGs, specifically Rule 13, when one vessel overtakes another, the overtaking vessel has the responsibility to keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken. This rule is in place to ensure safety and prevent collisions during the overtaking process.

When a vessel is overtaking, it may be challenging for the overtaken vessel to assess its surroundings, particularly when dealing with multiple vessels or limited visibility. The rule places the obligation on the overtaking vessel to maneuver with caution and ensure that it does not impede the safe passage of the vessel that is being overtaken. This helps maintain safe distances and ensures that vessels can continue to navigate without undue risk of collision.

Thus, understanding this rule is crucial for maintaining maritime safety and compliance with navigation regulations.