What is the course of action when one power vessel is overtaking another?

When one power vessel is overtaking another, the vessel that is doing the overtaking is classified as the give-way vessel according to maritime navigation rules. This means that the overtaking vessel has the responsibility to create a safe passage for the vessel being overtaken. It must maneuver in a way that avoids any collision, typically by altering its course and/or speed.

This principle is established to maintain safety on the water and prevent accidents, as the overtaking vessel has a better position to choose a safe option to pass without disrupting the path of the vessel being overtaken. In practice, the overtaking vessel may need to slow down, speed up, or change direction while ensuring that it is safe to do so.

For a clear understanding, the options that suggest the overtaken vessel must take action, like reducing speed or turning, do not align with the maritime regulations that prioritize the responsibilities of the overtaking vessel. Maintaining course for both vessels is not advisable because it could result in a collision if the overtaking vessel does not act to avoid interference. Thus, the emphasis on the overtaking vessel being the give-way vessel highlights the importance of its role in ensuring safe navigation during such encounters.