Who must give way when a vessel is being overtaken?

Answer: B — The overtaking vessel

The overtaking vessel is required to give way to the overtaken vessel. According to the COLREGs, specifically Rule 13, when one vessel is overtaking another, it must take actions to keep clear of the vessel that is being overtaken. The rationale behind this rule is to ensure that the vessel that is being overtaken maintains its course and speed, allowing for safe navigation without confusion or unexpected maneuvers. The overtaking vessel is tasked with assessing the situation and ensuring that it does not interfere with the safe passage of the overtaken vessel. This rule is in place to promote safety at sea, reducing the likelihood of collisions by clearly defining responsibilities in overtaking situations.