Question 44 GLI06 - Master or Mate of LT 100 GRT

The Correct Answer is D **Explanation for Option D (Vessel "A" is backing engines):** According to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) – specifically Rule 34(a)(iii) for International waters and corresponding rules in Inland Navigational Rules – **three short blasts** sounded on the whistle signifies that the vessel is operating astern propulsion (i.e., **backing engines**). This maneuver is often used to slow down, stop, or reverse the vessel's movement. Since the scenario explicitly states that the rules apply to **BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND** waters, this signaling rule holds true. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** * **A) Vessel "A" intends to hold course and speed:** There is no specific whistle signal in COLREGs (Rule 34) that indicates a vessel intends merely to hold course and speed. A vessel typically only signals when taking action, altering course/speed, or when in doubt. * **B) Vessel "A" is sounding a signal of doubt:** A signal of doubt (or danger signal) is **five or more short blasts** sounded in rapid succession, not three short blasts. * **C) Vessel "A" proposes to cross ahead of the other vessel:** A proposal to cross ahead (or overtake on the starboard side in a narrow channel/river) is typically signaled by **one short blast** ("I intend to leave you on my port side") or **two short blasts** ("I intend to leave you on my starboard side") depending on the context, or sometimes one prolonged blast followed by one or two short blasts in open waters (though this signaling is highly contextual and related to meeting/crossing/overtaking). Three short blasts specifically means backing engines.