Question 44 GLI02 - Mate of Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is D **Explanation for Option D (Correct Answer):** According to both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) (Rule 34(c)) and the Inland Rules (34(a)(iii) for intentions/maneuvering, and often combined with backing signals), three short blasts signify that the vessel is operating astern propulsion. That is, the vessel is backing up or is operating its engines astern to stop its movement. Therefore, "Vessel 'A' is backing engines" is the correct interpretation of three short blasts. **Explanation for Incorrect Options:** * **A) Vessel "A" intends to hold course and speed:** This is incorrect. A vessel does not typically use a specific maneuvering whistle signal to announce its intention to hold course and speed. Maintaining course and speed is the duty of the stand-on vessel, but it is not communicated via three short blasts. * **B) Vessel "A" is sounding a signal of doubt:** This is incorrect. A signal of doubt (the danger or urgency signal) is five or more short blasts, not three. * **C) Vessel "A" proposes to cross ahead of the other vessel:** This is incorrect. Proposing to cross ahead (or executing any starboard-to-starboard crossing maneuver) would typically involve two short blasts (COLREGs only) or specific passing signals (Inland Rules, usually one or two prolonged followed by one or two short, or simply one or two short depending on the rules applied). Three short blasts specifically indicate astern propulsion.