Question 7 GLI03 - Master-LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is C **Explanation for C (Correct Answer):** Option C states: "You may sound at least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle." This is correct because the scenario involves operating in a narrow channel (Rule 9 context), encountering another vessel whose intentions are doubtful, and potential risk of collision exists (crossing situation). **COLREG Rule 34(d)** (Maneuvering and Warning Signals) specifies that when vessels are in sight of one another, and for any reason, either vessel is in doubt whether sufficient action is being taken by the other to avert collision, the vessel in doubt **shall** indicate such doubt by sounding at least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle. This signal is the danger/doubt signal, applicable regardless of whether the vessels are in a narrow channel or elsewhere. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** **A) You must sound one prolonged and two short blasts:** This signal is defined in **COLREG Rule 34(e)** as the backing signal (power-driven vessel nearing a bend or an area where other vessels may be obscured). While this action might be appropriate under certain narrow channel circumstances, it is not the signal required solely because you are "in doubt as to his intentions" in a crossing situation. The immediate required action to communicate doubt is the five-blast danger signal. **B) You should sound one short blast to indicate that you are holding course and speed:** This is incorrect for two reasons. First, under International Rules (COLREG), sounding one short blast signifies "I am altering my course to starboard," not "I am holding course and speed." Second, sounding a maneuvering signal (like one short blast) when you are in doubt about the other vessel's intentions is counterproductive; the correct immediate signal is the danger signal (five blasts) to alert the other vessel to the dangerous situation. **D) You are required to back down:** While maneuvering action is generally required if risk of collision exists (Rule 8), the question asks what statement is true *according to Rule 9* (Narrow Channels) regarding the specific situation where you are *in doubt as to his intentions*. Rule 9 itself does not mandate backing down solely upon feeling doubt. Furthermore, the mandatory action to signal doubt, as per Rule 34(d), is sounding the whistle. Backing down (a specific maneuver) is an action that follows assessment, not the required signal for indicating doubt.