What must a vessel do when it is overtaking another vessel in a narrow channel?

When a vessel is overtaking another in a narrow channel, it is required to give way to the vessel being overtaken. This is crucial for ensuring safety and preventing collisions, particularly in confined waterways where maneuverability is limited. The Regulations stipulate that the overtaking vessel should take care to pass without endangering the vessel ahead.

Maintaining course and speed or stopping and proceeding with caution do not align with the established rules regarding overtaking situations. The obligation to give way ensures that the vessel being overtaken can maintain its course and speed without the interference of the vessel that is executing the overtaking maneuver. Additionally, sounding a whistle signal is not a requirement in this context; it is typically used in different circumstances to communicate intentions or warnings to other vessels. Thus, giving way clearly serves the purpose of maintaining safe navigation in a narrow channel.