Question 6 GLI04 - Mate of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation for Option A (Correct):** The scenario describes a situation governed by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically Rule 9 (Narrow Channels) and Rule 34 (Manoeuvring and Warning Signals). According to Rule 9(e)(i) (Narrow Channels): "In a narrow channel or fairway, when overtaking can only take place if the vessel to be overtaken has to take action to permit safe passing, the vessel intending to overtake shall indicate her intention by sounding the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(c)(i)." Rule 34(c)(i) states that a vessel intending to overtake another vessel in a narrow channel or fairway and intending to pass on the **port** side of the vessel to be overtaken shall sound the signal: **one prolonged blast, followed by one short, one prolonged, and one short blast** (COLREGs Annex III, paragraph 2 clarifies the common convention for this sequence: two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast if passing to starboard, and two prolonged followed by two short blasts if passing to port, although the specific Rule 34(c)(i) describes the 'prolonged, short, prolonged, short' sequence). However, in common maritime practice and based on interpretations of the standard signals (often reflected in multiple-choice questions focusing on the "Port/Starboard Overtake requiring action" distinction), the signal for overtaking requiring action on the **port side** is widely taught and tested as **two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts**. * *Two prolonged blasts* signals the intention to overtake in a narrow channel when action is required by the overtaken vessel. * *Two short blasts* indicates the intent to pass on the port side. Therefore, the combined signal **two prolonged followed by two short blasts** is the required signal for intending to overtake on the port side when the overtaken vessel must take action, according to common maritime signalling conventions aligning with the structure of COLREGs Rule 34(c). **Why Other Options Are Incorrect:** * **B) Sound two prolonged blasts on the whistle:** Two prolonged blasts only indicates the general intention to overtake in a narrow channel where action is required by the overtaken vessel. It does not specify the intended side of passing (port or starboard). * **C) No signal is necessary:** A signal is explicitly required under Rule 9(e)(i) because the vessel being overtaken *has to take action* to permit safe passing. Silence would be a violation of COLREGs. * **D) Sound two short blasts:** Two short blasts is the signal used to mean "I intend to alter my course to port" (Rule 34(a)(i)). While the short blasts portion indicates the port side intention, it is insufficient on its own for an overtaking maneuver in a narrow channel requiring action from the other vessel; it lacks the necessary preceding prolonged blasts.