What indicates that you are overtaking another vessel?

The situation indicating that you are overtaking another vessel is when you are approaching from more than 22.5 degrees abaft her beam. This angle is crucial because it defines the point at which a vessel is considered to be overtaking another, rather than simply meeting or crossing paths. When you approach within this specified angle, you are in a position where the other vessel's stern is visible, and you are effectively coming up from behind it.

This understanding is rooted in the Rules of the Road, specifically in the definitions provided for different types of encounters. By recognizing that you're in an overtaking position based on the angle you approach from, you can determine your responsibilities in terms of navigation and vessel conduct, specifically yielding to the vessel being overtaken.

The other scenarios, such as approaching broadside or meeting bow to bow, do not reflect the parameters of overtaking and instead signify different navigational challenges and right-of-way considerations. The visibility of both sidelights also relates to conditions when vessels are on reciprocal or crossing courses, but it doesn't specifically denote an overtaking situation as defined by the established metrics of approach angles.