Which statement best describes overtaking under the Rules?

• A. Only the sternlight
• B. The bow and stern lights
• C. Not defined by light visibility
• D. Stationary relative to the other vessel

Answer: (A)

Overtaking is about where one vessel is relative to another, not about what lights you show. You are overtaking when you approach another vessel from behind, more than 22.5 degrees abaft that vessel’s beam. In this situation you must stay clear of the vessel being overtaken until you are safely past it. The actual lighting is not what defines overtaking—the standard navigation lights for a vessel underway still apply as appropriate, but there is no rule that overtaking must be shown by “only” a sternlight or by a special light pattern. Saying overtaking is described by lighting (or that you’re stationary relative to the other vessel) doesn’t fit the concept.