Answer the overtaking proposal
Signal and safe passage. Advanced level, about 3 min. International COLREGs / IRPCS. COLREGs Rules 9(e), 13 & 34(c).
The situation
A faster vessel astern is in sight in this narrow fairway. She proposes passing on your starboard side. This passage needs you to make room. You checked depth, width and traffic: moving a little to port permits safe passing.
How do you answer and assist the passage?
- Sound the agreement and make room to port: Permit the safe passage you have checked.
- Stay silent and expect her to squeeze past: Let her guess whether silence means consent.
- Sound one short blast as agreement: Use the open-water manoeuvring signal.
Answers and explanations
Lookout: A proposal does not itself establish agreement. Check the available room before replying.
The sound answer
Sound the agreement and make room to port
Reply prolonged, short, prolonged, short. Take steps to permit safe passing. The overtaker keeps clear until finally past and clear.
Why the other options fall short
Stay silent and expect her to squeeze past
Silence is not the prescribed agreement. Answer the proposal and take the steps needed to permit safe passing.
Sound one short blast as agreement
One short is not the International overtaking agreement. Reply prolonged, short, prolonged, short.
Rules 9(e), 13 & 34(c) · Overtaking exchange
When a narrow-channel passage needs the vessel ahead to act, the overtaker proposes a side and the vessel ahead gives the prescribed agreement and takes steps to permit safe passing. The overtaker retains the duty to keep clear.