Question 38 GLI04 - Mate of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation for A (Correct Answer):** The situation described is two power-driven vessels meeting, which falls under Rule 34(a) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically addressing maneuvering and warning signals. According to COLREGs Rule 34(a)(i), when vessels are in sight of one another, a signal of two short blasts means: **"I am altering my course to port."** This signal communicates the action the vessel is currently taking or committing to take. **Explanation for Incorrect Options:** **B) "I desire to pass starboard to starboard"**: This is not the meaning of two short blasts in the International Rules. Furthermore, under International Rule 34(a), signals communicate intent or action, not merely a desire for a specific passing arrangement unless specified in the head-on situation (Rule 14), which uses a different signal for the standard maneuver (one blast for turning starboard to pass port-to-port). Passing starboard-to-starboard (if necessary) would involve both vessels altering course to port, and the signal used would be the two short blasts ("I am altering course to port"). **C) "I desire to pass port-to-port"**: This maneuver (passing port-to-port) is the standard action when vessels meet head-on (Rule 14) and requires the vessel to alter course to starboard. The signal for altering course to starboard is **one short blast** ("I am altering my course to starboard"), not two. **D) "I intend to alter course to port"**: While the signal indicates a commitment to the maneuver, COLREGs Rule 34(a)(i) specifically uses the phrase "I am altering my course to port" for the two-blast signal. In the International Rules, the signal is a declaration of the action being taken, rather than merely an expression of intent (which is the phrasing often used in US Inland Rules for certain situations, but not the standard phrasing under International Rule 34(a)). Therefore, option A uses the precise language mandated by COLREGs.