SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/boat-overtaking-keeps-clear

When one boat passes another from behind, which boat must keep clear?

The boat doing the passing.

  1. The boat being passed
  2. Whichever one is a sailboat
  3. The boat doing the passing ✔

Why: Inland Rule 13 says any vessel overtaking another must keep out of its way. This overrides the other right-of-way rules, so even an overtaking sailboat must keep clear.

Huh, didn't know that: The overtaking boat stays responsible until it's finally past and clear, even if the angle between the boats changes.

The dad joke
What do you get when you cross a fish and an elephant? Swimming trunks.
Like this card?
Play the game

Sources

  1. 33 CFR 83.13 Overtaking, Inland Rule 13 (eCFR) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/section-83.13

Test yourself in the game

Boating & WaterAt night you see only another boat's white sternlight, no red or green. What situation is this?Boating & WaterA boat under 12 meters (39.4 feet) needn't carry a regulation whistle. What must it have?Boating & WaterIn the Navigation Rules, how long is a 'prolonged blast'?

That's stuff everyone should know.