What must you do when overtaking another vessel?

When overtaking another vessel, maintaining a safe distance and giving way to the vessel you are passing is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures the safety of all vessels involved, as sudden maneuvers can lead to collisions or other dangerous situations. By giving way, you are allowing the overtaken vessel to maintain its course and speed, which minimizes the risk of accidents.

This approach is also in line with maritime navigation rules, which are designed to promote safe practices on the water. Keeping a safe distance helps you avoid causing wake turbulence that can affect smaller or less stable vessels, and it allows you to react appropriately should the other vessel change direction.

Hurrying to overtake, as suggested in the first option, can lead to reckless behavior and increased risk. Honking loudly, as indicated in another choice, is neither necessary nor safe; it could startle other boaters rather than provide assistance or clarity. Lastly, while passing on the right side can be a normal convention in some contexts, it is not a strict rule for all situations; rather, the emphasis should be on safety and communication between vessels to determine the best course of action.