Question 37 GLI05 - Master or Mate of LT 200 GRT

The Correct Answer is C. ### Explanation for C (The vessel is altering course to port) The question specifies "INTERNATIONAL ONLY." According to Rule 34(a)(i) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), when vessels are in sight of one another: * **One short blast** indicates "I am altering my course to **starboard**." (Action signal) * **Two short blasts** indicate "I am altering my course to **port**." (Action signal) * **Three short blasts** indicate "I am operating astern propulsion." (Action signal) Therefore, a signal of two short blasts means the vessel is currently executing the maneuver of altering its course to port. ### Why Other Options Are Incorrect **A) The vessel will alter course to port** This is subtly incorrect because of the word "will." The international signal is an *execution* signal, meaning the maneuver is happening now. While the vessel will continue altering course, the signal denotes the *action* of altering course has commenced, not just the mere future intention (which is what the Inland Rules in the US often focus on). Under International Rules, the meaning is definitive: "I am altering my course to port." **B) The vessel intends to pass starboard to starboard** While altering course to port might be a maneuver needed to facilitate a starboard-to-starboard passing, the signal itself does not communicate the passing arrangement. The signal explicitly and solely communicates the change in the vessel's heading. **D) The vessel intends to alter course to port** As with option A, the word "intends" is the key issue. Under International Rules, the signal of two short blasts is an **action signal**, meaning the vessel is actively carrying out the alteration. An intent signal (a proposal or plan) is more common in the US Inland Rules (a different set of regulations), but internationally, the signal is a declaration of action being taken.