Question 48 GLI05 - Master or Mate of LT 200 GRT

The Correct Answer is C **Explanation for Option C (Correct Answer):** Option C, "One prolonged and two short blasts at two-minute intervals," is the correct fog signal for a vessel *engaged in fishing* (which is a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver, or VRM, by definition under the rules) when sounding the prescribed signal in restricted visibility. This signal is mandated by **Rule 35(c)** of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), which applies to both International and Inland waters (as Inland Rules generally mirror COLREGs for power-driven vessels underway and VRMs). Rule 35(c) states that a vessel **not under command, a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver, a vessel constrained by her draught, a sailing vessel, a vessel engaged in fishing, and a vessel engaged in towing or pushing** shall at intervals of not more than two minutes sound **one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts.** Since the vessel is engaged in fishing, this is the required signal, regardless of whether it is underway or at anchor, as long as it is making sound signals required by Rule 35. --- **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** **A) A rapid ringing of the bell for five seconds at one-minute intervals:** This signal (ringing the bell for five seconds at intervals of not more than one minute) is the requirement for a **vessel at anchor** (Rule 35(g)), but only if it is less than 100 meters in length and does not require the additional gong. However, since the vessel is "engaged in fishing," it is a vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver and must sound the signal required by Rule 35(c), which takes precedence over the standard 'at anchor' signal. **B) One prolonged and three short blasts at two-minute intervals:** This signal is the requirement for a **vessel being towed** (Rule 35(e)), to be sounded immediately after the towing vessel's signal (one prolonged and two short blasts). This is not the signal for a vessel engaged in fishing. **D) A sounding of the bell and gong at one-minute intervals:** This combination (bell in the forepart and gong in the after part) is required for a **vessel at anchor 100 meters or more in length** (Rule 35(g)). As explained in option A, the vessel's status as "engaged in fishing" means it must use the signal specified under Rule 35(c) (one prolonged and two short blasts), overriding the standard anchor signal.