United States Coast Guard Captains License Practice Exam

Determining an overtaking situation when approaching a vessel displaying specific lights means that you are behind another vessel and plan to pass it. In the context of navigating vessels, overtaking situations are governed by the "Rules of the Road," specifically those outlined in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs).

In an overtaking scenario, the vessel that is being overtaken must maintain its course and speed, while the overtaking vessel is obligated to keep a safe distance. Additional navigation lights typically indicate that one vessel is overtaking another. For instance, if you see a single white light or a combination of lights that indicates you are overtaking, it is crucial to adhere to proper navigation rules to avoid collisions and ensure safe passage.

Understanding this concept is essential for safe navigation in congested waterways or near other vessels. Observing the navigation lights and recognizing the situation allows mariners to make informed decisions about how to proceed safely.