If you are exactly 22.5 degrees abaft another vessel's beam, which statement correctly reflects overtaking status under COLREGs?

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The key idea here is the boundary that defines overtaking under COLREGs. Overtaking is considered to occur when the other vessel lies more than 22.5 degrees abaft your beam. If you’re exactly 22.5 degrees abaft, you’re on the boundary—status isn’t certain. In practice, safety dictates you assume you are overtaking and act to keep well clear, rather than waiting to see what the other vessel does.

So, the best approach is to take early, decisive action as the overtaking vessel and maneuver to pass well clear on the other vessel’s starboard side, without relying on them to alter course. This aligns with the principle that each vessel should avoid a collision, and in edge cases you resolve the situation through your own actions rather than hoping the other will act.