Question

The Rules state that a vessel overtaking another vessel is relieved of her duty to keep clear when __________.

A. she is forward of the other vessel's beam
B. the overtaking situation becomes a crossing situation
C. she is past and clear of the other vessel
D. the other vessel is no longer in sight

Answer 1

In maritime navigation, an overtaking vessel is relieved of the duty to keep clear when it is past and clear of the other vessel, ensuring safe passage and the avoidance of collision.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to the maritime navigation rules regarding the responsibilities between vessels in situations where one is overtaking another. According to these rules, the vessel that is overtaking another is obligated to keep clear of the vessel being overtaken until it is past and clear of the other vessel. This means that the duty to keep clear is only relieved when the overtaking vessel is past and clear of the other vessel, ensuring the safe passage and avoidance of collision. An overtaking vessel becomes the stand-on vessel only once there are no risks of collision, and this typically occurs once the overtaking vessel is sufficiently ahead of the other vessel and on a steady course.