Question 36 ONC02 - Second Mate/Third Mate Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is A ### 1. Explanation for Option A (Correct) Option A, **one short blast**, is the correct signal. Under the Inland Rules of the Road (specifically Rule 34(a)(i)), when an overtaking power-driven vessel proposes to pass on the overtaken vessel’s starboard side, the overtaking vessel sounds one short blast. The overtaken vessel, if in agreement, must then answer with the **same signal**, one short blast. This confirms permission and indicates that the overtaken vessel understands the maneuver. ### 2. Explanation of Incorrect Options * **B) one prolonged, one short, one prolonged, and one short blast in that order:** This signal (a sequence often referred to as a "truce" signal or Rule 34(b) general warning) is used by a vessel approaching a bend or an area of a channel or fairway where other vessels may be obscured. It is not the signal of agreement for an overtaking maneuver. * **C) two prolonged blasts:** This is not a standard communication signal for agreement under the Inland Rules. A prolonged blast alone is used as a warning signal (one prolonged blast) when leaving a dock or slip. Two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts (Option D) is the required signal for passing port-to-port in certain Great Lakes/Western Rivers scenarios, but two prolonged blasts alone is not the agreement signal for overtaking. * **D) two prolonged followed by two short blasts:** Under the Inland Rules (specifically Rule 34(c)), this signal is the **danger signal** (five short blasts) followed by the general warning/navigational signal (two prolonged/two short). More commonly, two prolonged followed by two short blasts is the required passing signal when two vessels are meeting or crossing in the Western Rivers or on the Great Lakes, indicating a proposal for a starboard-to-starboard (right-to-right) meeting. However, it is **not** the signal of agreement for an overtaking maneuver. Furthermore, if the overtaken vessel did *not* agree with the proposal, they would sound the danger signal (five or more short blasts).