What action should a vessel take if it is overtaking another vessel?

In a situation where a vessel is overtaking another vessel, the appropriate action is to give way to the vessel being overtaken. This follows the rules of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically Rule 13, which states that any vessel that is overtaking must keep clear of the vessel being overtaken.

The rationale behind this rule is to ensure safe navigation and prevent collisions at sea. The vessel being overtaken is likely constrained in its ability to maneuver, often traveling at a constant speed and course, which makes it less able to respond to changes in the surrounding traffic. By giving way, the overtaking vessel facilitates a safe passage and minimizes the risk of an accident.

Maintaining speed and course or altering course randomly would not provide the necessary adjustments to avoid a potential collision, while firing a distress signal is not relevant to the situation of overtaking another vessel.