Question 38 GLI05 - Master or Mate of LT 200 GRT

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation for Option A (Correct Answer):** The meaning of whistle signals for power-driven vessels operating in sight of one another is defined by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically Rule 34. Rule 34(a)(i) and 34(a)(ii) address maneuvering and warning signals. * One short blast means: "I am altering my course to starboard." * **Two short blasts means: "I am altering my course to port."** * Three short blasts mean: "I am operating astern propulsion." Therefore, a two-blast (two short blasts) signal means that the signaling vessel is altering its course to port. **Explanation for Other Options (Incorrect):** * **B) "I desire to pass starboard to starboard"**: While in the *Inland* U.S. Rules, a two-blast signal can sometimes be used as a proposal to pass starboard-to-starboard in a meeting situation, under **International** Rules (COLREGs), the signals described in Rule 34 (one, two, or three short blasts) are signals of *execution* (what the vessel is doing), not *proposals* (what the vessel desires), with the exception of the five-short-blast signal (danger/doubt). The primary, and intended, International meaning of two short blasts is the alteration of course to port. * **C) "I desire to pass port-to-port"**: This proposal would typically be indicated by a single short blast under the Inland Rules, but under International Rules, the single short blast indicates the *execution* of an alteration of course to starboard, which is typically the default maneuver for passing port-to-port in a meeting situation. Regardless, two short blasts is definitively not the International signal for a port-to-port passing proposal. * **D) "I intend to alter course to port"**: Although this phrase is very close to Option A, COLREGs Rule 34 uses language that signifies immediate action or execution: "I am altering course..." (Rule 34(a)). The signal is specifically meant to inform the other vessel of the action currently being taken, not merely a future intention. Option A uses the exact, prescribed language corresponding to the International Rules for two short blasts.