Question 38 MODU02 - Barge Supervisor

The Correct Answer is A **Why Option A ("I am altering course to port") is correct:** The question specifically asks about the meaning of whistle signals in an **INTERNATIONAL ONLY** context, meaning it refers to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREGs), specifically Rule 34(a). Rule 34(a)(i) and (ii) addresses maneuvering and warning signals. In a meeting situation (two power-driven vessels approaching each other), a two-short-blast signal has a precise meaning: * **Two short blasts mean:** "I am altering my course to port." This signal is mandatory whenever a vessel is taking action to alter course to port in a narrow channel or in sight of another vessel. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **B) "I desire to pass starboard to starboard":** This option is incorrect because the COLREGs do not use a two-blast signal to express a desire to pass starboard-to-starboard. The phrase "I desire to pass" (implying permission sought) is generally associated with Inland Rules, not the explicit action signals of International Rules. Furthermore, if a vessel is altering course to port (two blasts), it is executing a port turn, which generally results in a port-to-port passing if both vessels adhere to standard procedures in a meeting situation, unless exceptional circumstances apply. * **C) "I desire to pass port-to-port":** This option is incorrect. If a vessel is intending to follow the typical starboard-to-starboard movement (which would result in a port-to-port passing), it would use one short blast ("I am altering my course to starboard"). The two-blast signal signifies an alteration of course to port. * **D) "I intend to alter course to port":** This option is incorrect due to the subtle but crucial difference in terminology used in the International Rules (COLREGs) versus the US Inland Rules. International Rule 34(a) uses present tense, indicating the action is concurrent with the signal: "One short blast to mean: ‘I am altering my course to starboard’." and "Two short blasts to mean: ‘I am altering my course to port’." The signal describes the action being taken, not merely a future intention or desire (which is often the language used in US Inland Rules). Therefore, "I am altering course to port" (Option A) is the precise International terminology.