Question 37 MODU01 - Offshore Installation Manager

The Correct Answer is C. ### Why Option C ("The vessel is altering course to port") is correct: Under the **International Rules (COLREGs)**, Rule 34(a)(i) specifies the maneuvering and warning signals. * **One short blast** (approximately one second duration) means: "I am altering my course to starboard." * **Two short blasts** mean: "I am altering my course to port." * **Three short blasts** mean: "I am operating astern propulsion." The phrase "is altering" (as used in standard COLREG interpretation) signifies that the action is currently being executed or has just begun. Therefore, two short blasts indicate that the vessel is actively altering its course to port. ### Why the other options are incorrect: **A) The vessel will alter course to port:** While this signal certainly precedes the alteration, the COLREGs phrasing ("I am altering...") strongly implies that the action is immediate and underway, not a future intent (which is often reserved for situations requiring five or more short blasts, or specific danger signals, depending on context). The signal itself is a notification of the active change. **B) The vessel intends to pass starboard to starboard:** This option confuses the signaling rules. Passing intentions (especially in head-on or crossing situations under Inland Rules) often involve different signals or multiple sequences. Under International Rules, the signal directly relates to the vessel's own maneuver (changing course to port), not a specific agreement or intention regarding the other vessel's side (starboard to starboard). **D) The vessel intends to alter course to port:** This is semantically very close to the correct answer (C) and option (A), but it misrepresents the mandatory wording of the International Rules. The International signal is a declaration of the *current action* ("I am altering course"), not merely a statement of future *intent*. In International Waters, you signal *while* or *as* you execute the maneuver. (Note: The distinction between "is altering" and "intends to alter" is crucial in COLREGs testing, where the strict interpretation of "I am altering my course..." is required.)