Question 6 GLI02 - Mate of Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation of A (Sound two prolonged followed by two short blasts):** This scenario is governed by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically Rule 9(e)(ii) regarding narrow channels. Rule 9(e) states: "A vessel intending to overtake another vessel in a narrow channel or fairway shall indicate her intention by sounding the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(c)..." Rule 34(c) dictates the maneuvering and warning signals used in a narrow channel when overtaking and the vessel being overtaken **has to take action** to permit safe passing: * **Two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts** signifies: "I intend to overtake you on your port side." Since the vessel to be overtaken must take action (as stipulated in the question), the signaling vessel must use the Rule 34(c) signal appropriate for the port side maneuver. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **B) Sound two prolonged blasts on the whistle:** In the context of narrow channel overtaking, Rule 34 does not prescribe a signal of two prolonged blasts alone for indicating an intention to overtake. Two prolonged blasts are sometimes used as a general warning signal (Rule 35) but not the specific intent signal required here. * **C) No signal is necessary:** This is incorrect. Rule 9(e) explicitly mandates that a vessel intending to overtake in a narrow channel must indicate her intention by sounding the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(c). * **D) Sound two short blasts:** Under Rule 34(a)(ii), two short blasts means "I am altering my course to port." While this uses two short blasts, it is a close-quarters maneuvering signal, not the specific signal required for requesting permission/indicating intent to overtake on the port side in a narrow channel where the other vessel must cooperate. The narrow channel overtaking signal is far more complex and specific (two prolonged followed by two short).