Question 6 GLI07 - OUPV

The Correct Answer is A **Why option A ("Sound two prolonged followed by two short blasts") is correct:** This scenario is governed by Rule 34(e) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), which specifies the signaling required for vessels intending to overtake in a narrow channel when the vessel being overtaken has to take action to permit safe passing. Rule 34(e)(i) states: "A vessel nearing a bend or an area of a channel or waterway where other vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction shall sound one prolonged blast." (Note: This is often confused with the overtaking signal, but the true overtaking signal is covered next). Rule 34(e)(i) specifically addresses the overtaking situation where assent is required: * **Intention to overtake on the port side:** The signaling vessel must sound **two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts**. * *Interpretation:* Two prolonged blasts signal the intent to overtake, and the two short blasts specifically denote that the maneuver will be performed on the port side of the vessel being overtaken. Therefore, sounding two prolonged followed by two short blasts correctly signals the intention to overtake on the port side, necessitating action by the vessel ahead. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **B) Sound two prolonged blasts on the whistle:** This signal (two prolonged blasts) is used to signal the *intention to overtake on the starboard side* (Rule 34(e)(i) if followed by one short blast, or simply the initiation of an overtaking attempt where the overtaken vessel needs to assent, but it does not specify the port side as requested in the question). In the context of required assent, two prolonged followed by two short blasts is the specific signal for overtaking on the port side. * **C) No signal is necessary:** COLREGs Rule 34 mandates specific whistle signals in narrow channels, especially when overtaking requires action from the vessel ahead. Failing to signal is a violation of the Rules. * **D) Sound two short blasts:** Two short blasts is the maneuver signal used when vessels are in sight of one another (Rule 34(a)) and indicates: "I intend to alter my course to port." This signal relates to course change, not the specific intention to overtake and require assent in a narrow channel on the port side.