Question 37 GLI03 - Master-LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is C ### Explanation for why Option C is Correct: According to Rule 34(a)(i) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), when vessels are in sight of one another, a single short blast means: **"I am altering my course to starboard."** Therefore, two short blasts means: **"I am altering my course to port."** Option C, "The vessel is altering course to port," is the precise meaning defined by the International Rules for two short blasts. It describes the action being taken by the maneuvering vessel. *** ### Explanation of why other options are incorrect: **A) The vessel will alter course to port** * **Incorrect:** This phrasing ("will alter") suggests an intent or a future action, which is generally signaled by one of the "Intention" signals used in narrow channels (Rule 34(e)(i) - overtaking) or by a single or double short blast in US Inland waters (which signal *intention*). However, in the International Rules (which this question specifically addresses), the two short blasts (Rule 34(a)(i)) signal the *execution* of the alteration, not merely the future intent. **B) The vessel intends to pass starboard to starboard** * **Incorrect:** This is a communication of an overtaking or passing intent, usually relevant under Rules 9 or 14. Passing intentions in US Inland waters are communicated using different signals (e.g., one blast for port-to-port, two blasts for starboard-to-starboard). Under International Rules, two short blasts communicates only the specific course change (alteration to port) and not the intended relationship (passing starboard-to-starboard). **D) The vessel intends to alter course to port** * **Incorrect:** Similar to Option A, this phrasing uses the word "intends." Under the International Rules, the signals defined in Rule 34(a) (one, two, or three short blasts) are signals of **execution** ("I am altering..."), not signals of mere intent. (Note: Intent is signaled by five or more short blasts (danger) or specifically in narrow channels for overtaking, Rule 34(c), but not by the standard two short blasts.)