Question 37 GLI01 - Master-Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is C **Explanation of Option C (Correct Answer):** According to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), Rule 34(a)(i) governs maneuvering and warning signals. * One short blast means: "I am altering my course to starboard." * **Two short blasts mean: "I am altering my course to port."** * Three short blasts mean: "I am operating astern propulsion." Therefore, two short blasts are an execution signal, indicating that the vessel is currently in the process of altering its course to port. **Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:** * **A) The vessel will alter course to port:** While the vessel is indeed altering course to port, the use of "will alter" implies intent or future action. In COLREGs, the two short blasts signal the *action* is currently being executed ("I am altering..."), not just the intent to do so. (See the explanation for D below for a deeper dive on intent vs. execution). * **B) The vessel intends to pass starboard to starboard:** This is incorrect. The signal for intending to overtake or pass (and the side of passing) is covered by different signals (e.g., in narrow channels, the signals are one prolonged followed by one short for passing starboard to starboard, or one prolonged followed by two short for port to port, and these signals are typically proposal signals). Two short blasts are specifically defined as an alteration of course to port. * **D) The vessel intends to alter course to port:** This is the most common confusion point. Under COLREGs Rule 34(a), the signals are defined as: "When vessels are in sight of one another, a power-driven vessel under way, when manoeuvring as authorized or required by these Rules, shall indicate that manoeuvre by the following signals on her whistle: (i) One short blast to mean 'I am altering my course to starboard'; (ii) Two short blasts to mean 'I am altering my course to port'; (iii) Three short blasts to mean 'I am operating astern propulsion'." The phrase "I am altering" establishes that the signal indicates the **execution** of the maneuver, not merely the intent to perform it. If the signal indicated intent, the Rule would likely use language such as "I intend to alter course..."