Question 37 ONC01 - Master/Chief Mate Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is C ### Why Option C ("The vessel is altering course to port") is Correct: The question specifies "INTERNATIONAL ONLY." According to Rule 34(a)(ii) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), a vessel using power-driven whistles must sound the following signal when maneuvering: * **Two short blasts** signify: "I am altering my course to **port**." This signal is sounded **at the time of the action** (simultaneously with the turn or immediately before initiating the turn) and indicates the vessel is actively changing direction to port. ### Why the Other Options are Incorrect: * **A) The vessel will alter course to port:** While this may imply an action is happening, in COLREGs maneuvering signals, the phrase "will alter" is typically associated with a single short blast (one short blast means "I am altering my course to starboard"). Two short blasts specifically means the vessel is actively turning to port ("I am altering... to port"), making the more definite description in C superior. However, the primary issue is the nuance between C and D. * **B) The vessel intends to pass starboard to starboard:** Passing intentions (e.g., in a narrow channel) are generally signaled by five short blasts (danger/doubt) or specific combinations related to overtaking (Rule 34(c), (d)) or the use of general warning signals (Rule 34(e)). Two short blasts are exclusively for a unilateral change of course to port. * **D) The vessel intends to alter course to port:** Under International Rule 34(a), these signals describe the **action being taken**, not merely the future intention. The signal *I am altering my course to port* (two short blasts) is definitive. In restricted visibility (Rule 35), intent signals are used (e.g., Rule 35(e): "intends to overtake on her starboard side"), but for maneuvering signals in sight of one another (Rule 34), the vessel is communicating the immediate action of changing course. Therefore, "is altering" (C) is the most precise and accurate translation of the signal's meaning under COLREGs 34(a)(ii).