Question 40 GLI05 - Master or Mate of LT 200 GRT

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation for A ("about 1 second"):** Option A is correct because the whistle signals used under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and Inland Rules to indicate maneuvers (such as meeting, crossing, or overtaking situations) are defined by specific lengths: * **Short blast:** The regulations define a "short blast" as a blast of about one second's duration (Rule 32(b)). * **Purpose:** The head-on and/or crossing situations typically require signals like "I am altering my course to starboard" (one short blast) or "I intend to keep clear by crossing ahead" (two short blasts). These navigational intent signals must be short to be instantly recognizable and distinguishable from other types of blasts (like prolonged blasts). **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:** * **B) 2 to 4 seconds:** Blasts of this duration fall within or are longer than a "prolonged blast." A prolonged blast is defined as a blast from four to six seconds' duration (Rule 32(c)) and is used for warning, fog signals, and leaving a dock, not for standard maneuver intentions in head-on/crossing situations. A 2 to 4 second blast is too long to be considered a short maneuver signal. * **C) 4 to 6 seconds:** This range precisely defines a **prolonged blast** (Rule 32(c)). Prolonged blasts are used for situational awareness (like fog signals or leaving a slip), not for the short, precise signaling of course alteration required in crossing or head-on maneuvers. * **D) 8 to 10 seconds:** A blast of this length is significantly longer than any regulated blast (short or prolonged). Using such a long signal would likely be misunderstood, confuse the situation, and violate COLREGs standards.