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Rule 13: Overtaking (COLREGS)

Last reviewed October 21, 2026

The short answer

Rule 13 says any vessel overtaking another must keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken. You're overtaking when you come up from more than 22.5 degrees abaft her beam, where at night you'd see only her sternlight. That duty lasts until you're finally past and clear.

The rule text

any vessel overtaking any other shall keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken.

International Rules, U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook (NAVCEN, 2024 corrected edition), Rule 13

A vessel shall be deemed to be overtaking when coming up with another vessel from a direction more than 22.5° abaft her beam

International Rules, U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook (NAVCEN, 2024 corrected edition), Rule 13

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.

International Rules, U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook (NAVCEN, 2024 corrected edition), Rule 13

What it means on the water

  • Overtaking beats everything else in Part B, Sections I and II. A sailboat overtaking a power-driven vessel still keeps out of the way (Rule 13(a)).
  • The geometry: more than 22.5 degrees abaft her beam, the sternlight arc (Rule 13(b)).
  • In doubt, assume you're overtaking (Rule 13(c)).
  • Changing the bearing later doesn't turn you into a crossing vessel. You keep clear until finally past and clear (Rule 13(d)).

International vs Inland

Same in substance in both. The wording of 13(a) differs: International says "Notwithstanding anything contained in the Rules of Part B, Sections I and II," and Inland says "Notwithstanding anything contained in Rules 4 through 18." The overtaking signals do differ, under Rule 34(c) and Rule 9(e).

Common exam traps

  • Thinking a sailing vessel has right of way when she's the one overtaking. Rule 13 overrides Rule 18.
  • Becoming a "crossing" vessel after a bearing change. Rule 13(d) says no.
  • Mixing up International and Inland overtaking whistle signals (Rule 34(c)).

Try 3 questions on Rule 13

  1. A sailing vessel overtakes a power-driven vessel. Who keeps out of the way?

    1. The power-driven vessel
    2. The sailing vessel
    3. Neither
    4. Whichever is smaller
    Show answer

    B. The sailing vessel Rule 13(a): any vessel overtaking keeps out of the way, notwithstanding the other steering rules.

  2. From what direction is a vessel overtaking?

    1. More than 22.5 degrees abaft the beam
    2. Within 22.5 degrees of the bow
    3. Exactly abeam
    4. More than 10 degrees abaft the beam
    Show answer

    A. More than 22.5 degrees abaft the beam Rule 13(b): more than 22.5 degrees abaft her beam.

  3. You're unsure whether you're overtaking or crossing. What does Rule 13 say?

    1. Assume crossing
    2. Assume overtaking
    3. Sound one prolonged blast
    4. Stand on
    Show answer

    B. Assume overtaking Rule 13(c): assume you are overtaking.

Frequently asked questions

Does a sailboat have right of way when overtaking?

No. Under Rule 13 any overtaking vessel keeps out of the way, including a sailing vessel.

When does the overtaking duty end?

When the overtaking vessel is finally past and clear (Rule 13(d)).

What signals do you use to overtake?

It depends on the waters. See Rule 34(c): International narrow-channel signals use prolonged and short blasts; Inland uses one or two short blasts.

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