Practice question

What does a vessel indicate when it signals "I intend to overtake you on your starboard"?

  1. The vessel is approaching another vessel
  2. The vessel is agreeing to be overtaken
  3. The vessel plans to leave the other vessel to starboard
  4. The vessel is not maneuvering

Answer: C — The vessel plans to leave the other vessel to starboard

The correct interpretation of a vessel signaling "I intend to overtake you on your starboard" is that it plans to leave the other vessel to starboard. This maneuver indicates the overtaking vessel's intention to pass to the right side of the other vessel, which is crucial for maintaining safe navigation and following the "Rules of the Road." By communicating this intention, the overtaking vessel ensures that both parties are aware of the planned action, allowing the vessel being overtaken to maintain its course and speed while facilitating a safe and effective maneuver. This specific signaling reflects the requirement for vessels to communicate their intentions clearly to avoid confusion and ensure safety at sea. The understanding of this signal is essential for maritime navigation, particularly in busy or constrained waterways where overtaking scenarios frequently occur.

Practice more: COLREGs Rules of the Road Practice Test →