COLREG / ARPA / AIS Bridge Rule 13 Rule 17 🔒 Course / Premium

Being Overtaken (Rule 13 / 17)

A faster vessel is overtaking you from astern. The overtaking vessel must keep out of the way.

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Scenario briefing

A faster vessel is overtaking you from astern. The overtaking vessel must keep out of the way. Under Rule 17 you generally keep your course and speed unless the overtaking vessel clearly fails to act. Do NOT alter course or speed unless you become convinced that the overtaking vessel will not act.

Applicable COLREG rule(s)

Rule 13 — referenced in this scenario. Practising this scenario reinforces correct application under realistic time pressure.

Rule 17 — referenced in this scenario. Practising this scenario reinforces correct application under realistic time pressure.

📸 Bridge simulator scene

Captured directly from the SkipperCheck COLREG bridge simulator at scenario T = 0 — the moment the encounter begins.

SkipperCheck bridge simulator — COLREG Rule 13 / 17 — Being overtaken — stand-on duty — radar PPI with AIS targets — Bridge-simulator scene under COLREG Rule 13 / 17 — Being overtaken — stand-on duty. Captured from the SkipperCheck COLREG / ARPA / AIS bridge simulator.

Key teaching points

Rule 17(a)(i): keep your course and speed.
The overtaking vessel has the entire 360° to manoeuvre — your task is to be PREDICTABLE.
Rule 17(a)(ii)/(b): if the overtaker clearly is not acting, you may then alter; choose a side that is OPPOSITE the side the overtaker has begun to favour.
A speed reduction in the very last seconds is often the best last-resort action.

Common mistakes to avoid

Altering away "to help" while the overtaker is still acting — you create an unpredictable target.
Slowing down to "let her past" without informing the overtaking vessel via VHF; she expects steady speed.

Why it matters

When you are being overtaken, you are the stand-on vessel and Rule 17 applies. The discipline of holding course and speed while a 200 m bulker comes up your stern is what the rule asks for — and it is the safest action for both vessels.

Exam relevance

Being-overtaken is examined alongside Rule 17 stand-on doctrine in Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore and STCW orals.

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