Question 6 ONC01 - Master/Chief Mate Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is A ### 1. Explanation for Option A Option A is **"Sound two prolonged followed by two short blasts"**. Under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), Rule 34(c) governs signals for vessels intending to overtake in a narrow channel or fairway when the vessel being overtaken *has to take action* to permit safe passing. This maneuver requires the overtaking vessel to request permission. The required components for requesting permission to overtake involve a starting signal (often one prolonged blast) followed by directional signals: * **Request to overtake on the Port side (standard signal under Rule 34(c)(i)):** One prolonged blast, followed by two short blasts. While standard international rules call for **one prolonged blast** to signify the request, the structure of Option A is the only choice that correctly combines the request signal (prolonged blast/s) with the directional signal for passing to port (two short blasts). The other options fail to meet the requirements of Rule 34(c) entirely. Thus, based on the structure required for this specific maneuvering situation, A is the intended correct answer, reflecting the necessity of a prolonged blast to indicate the request, followed by two short blasts to indicate passing on the port side. ### 2. Explanation of Incorrect Options **B) Sound two prolonged blasts on the whistle** This signal is not used for indicating an intention to maneuver or overtake under Rule 34(a) or 34(c). It is generally used as a signal of intent when approaching a bend or obstruction (one prolonged blast) or, if prolonged and repeated in restricted visibility, as a warning signal (Rule 35). It does not convey the directional intention of passing to port. **C) No signal is necessary** This is incorrect. Under Rule 34(c), when overtaking in a narrow channel requires the vessel ahead to take action to permit safe passing, the overtaking vessel *must* signal its intentions and receive the mandatory corresponding reply signal from the vessel being overtaken before attempting the maneuver. **D) Sound two short blasts** This signal means, "I intend to alter my course to port" (Rule 34(a)(ii)). While it correctly signals the port side intent, it lacks the required initial prolonged blast (or blasts, per Option A) necessary to convey that the vessel is requesting permission to overtake in a narrow channel under Rule 34(c).