Question 45 GLI04 - Mate of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation for Option B (One prolonged blast):** Option B is correct because, according to both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs Rule 34(e)) and the U.S. Inland Rules, a vessel nearing a bend or an area where other vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction is required to sound **one prolonged blast** (a blast lasting 4 to 6 seconds). This signal is a warning or cautionary signal used to alert any vessel on the other side of the bend or obstruction of its approach. When any other vessel hears this signal, it must respond with the same prolonged blast if it is also approaching the bend from the opposite direction. **Explanation for Incorrect Options:** * **A) One short blast:** A short blast (about 1 second) is used under COLREGs and Inland Rules primarily to indicate a maneuver (e.g., "I intend to leave you on my port side" when maneuvering in sight of another vessel). It is not the prescribed signal for approaching an obscured bend. * **C) Two short blasts:** Two short blasts are used to indicate a different maneuver (e.g., "I intend to leave you on my starboard side" when maneuvering in sight of another vessel). It is not the prescribed signal for approaching an obscured bend. * **D) One long blast:** While "prolonged blast" (4 to 6 seconds) and "long blast" are sometimes used interchangeably colloquially, the official COLREGs and Inland terminology specifies "prolonged blast." More critically, the term "long blast" (which officially means a blast of 8 to 10 seconds) is reserved for distress signaling or the required signal for maneuvering when coming off a dock or slip, not for approaching a bend. The prescribed signal for the bend is explicitly the **prolonged blast** (4–6 seconds).