A recent YouTube video of two bulk carriers colliding in the Singapore Strait makes for astonishing viewing. It shows a bulk carrier apparently overtaking a smaller, older general cargo vessel and appearing to ram the other ship's stern. This is not an isolated example of poor bridge watchkeeping - numerous similar incidents exist in the public domain. For most navigators, Rule 13 - 'Overtaking' of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea should be one of the easiest to remember. Mariners should know by rote the first lines: "Notwithstanding anything contained in the Rules of Part B, Sections I and II, any vessel overtaking any other shall keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken." The other rules, such as responsibility, safe speed, lookout, and actions to avoid collision, are equally important.
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