Question 44 ONC02 - Second Mate/Third Mate Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is D **Explanation for Option D (Correct Answer):** According to both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and the U.S. Inland Rules (Rule 34), a power-driven vessel using the whistle to indicate maneuvers must use specific short blasts: * **One short blast** signifies: "I intend to alter my course to starboard." (In passing situations under Inland Rules, it means "I intend to leave you on my port side.") * **Two short blasts** signify: "I intend to alter my course to port." (In passing situations under Inland Rules, it means "I intend to leave you on my starboard side.") * **Three short blasts** signify: **"I am operating astern propulsion" (i.e., I am backing engines).** Therefore, Vessel "A" sounding three short blasts means it is backing its engines. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** * **A) Vessel "A" intends to hold course and speed:** There is no specific maneuver signal (short blasts) for intending to hold course and speed. Maintaining course and speed is the duty of the stand-on vessel, but it is not communicated via three short blasts. * **B) Vessel "A" is sounding a signal of doubt:** A signal of doubt or confusion (when the intentions of the other vessel are not understood) is communicated by sounding at least **five short and rapid blasts** (the danger signal). * **C) Vessel "A" proposes to cross ahead of the other vessel:** This intention would typically be implied by a one or two short blast signal combined with a change in course, or in explicit Inland passing situations, but it is not communicated by three short blasts. Three short blasts specifically indicate using astern propulsion (backing up or slowing down drastically).