Question 37 GLI06 - Master or Mate of LT 100 GRT

The Correct Answer is C ### Why Option C is Correct Option C, "The vessel is altering course to port," is correct because this question specifically refers to the **International** application of the Rules of the Road (COLREGs). According to Rule 34(a)(i) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), a power-driven vessel, when maneuvering, shall indicate its maneuvers by using the following 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** means "I am operating astern propulsion." Therefore, internationally, two short blasts signify that the vessel is actively altering its course to port. ### Why the Other Options are Incorrect **A) The vessel will alter course to port:** This wording is slightly ambiguous, implying an *intent* or a future action. While the signal does indicate a change of course to port, the primary function in the International Rules is to announce the active maneuver ("I am altering..."), not just the intention. More importantly, this option is less precise than C, which directly uses the language associated with the active maneuver. **B) The vessel intends to pass starboard to starboard:** This is incorrect. There is no specific sound signal in COLREGs that exclusively means "I intend to pass starboard to starboard." Passing signals are related to the direction of course alteration (starboard or port), not specifically the side of the approaching vessel. Furthermore, under International Rules, the signals described in Rule 34(a) are *maneuvering signals* indicating course change, not *passing signals* indicating agreement or preference for meeting side (which is primarily a feature of the Inland Rules, not International). **D) The vessel intends to alter course to port:** This is incorrect under the International Rules. In the International system (Rule 34(a)), the signals are defined as indicating the *active execution* of the maneuver ("I am altering..."), not the *intent* to execute it (which is the definition used in the U.S. Inland Rules). The distinction between "I am altering" (International) and "I intend to alter" (Inland) is critical here, making option C the accurate description for the International context.