Question 7 GLI04 - Mate of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is C **Explanation for C being correct:** Option C ("You may sound at least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle") is correct because it directly addresses the requirement for signaling doubt or apprehension, which is the situation described (being "in doubt as to his intentions"). Under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically Rule 34(d) (Maneuvering and Warning Signals), when vessels are in sight of one another, if one vessel is in doubt whether sufficient action is being taken by the other to avoid collision, that vessel *shall* indicate such doubt by giving at least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle. While the scenario mentions Rule 9 (Narrow Channels), the action required for indicating doubt or risk of collision falls under the rules for sound signaling (Rule 34), and this signal is mandatory when doubt exists. **Explanation of why other options are incorrect:** * **A) You must sound one prolonged and two short blasts:** This signal (Rule 35(c)) is the required whistle signal for vessels *engaged in towing* or pushing in or near an area of restricted visibility, or for a vessel *not under command*, *restricted in her ability to maneuver*, *constrained by her draft*, *sailing vessel*, or *fishing vessel* when making signals in restricted visibility. It is not the signal for indicating doubt in clear visibility. * **B) You should sound one short blast to indicate that you are holding course and speed:** Under International COLREGs (Rule 34(a)(i)), one short blast indicates "I am altering my course to starboard." Sounding signals to indicate that you are holding course and speed is generally not required or defined, and one short blast specifically signals a course change. * **D) You are required to back down:** Backing down (reversing engines) is a maneuver, not a warning signal. While taking collision avoidance action might be necessary (and backing down could be part of that), the initial requirement when in doubt about the *other vessel's intentions* is to signal that doubt. Furthermore, the scenario describes operating in a narrow channel (Rule 9), and taking drastic maneuver actions that might endanger the vessel by making it leave the channel would violate Rule 9(a), which requires staying within the safe boundaries of the channel. Collision avoidance action (Rule 8) requires positive action, but the rule does not mandate backing down specifically as the primary response to doubt.