Question 45 ONC02 - Second Mate/Third Mate Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation for Option B (One prolonged blast):** The correct signal for a vessel nearing a bend or an area of a channel or fairway where other vessels may be obscured due to the bend is **one prolonged blast**. This requirement is outlined in the **International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs)**, specifically Rule 34(e) (Maneuvering and Warning Signals). The prolonged blast serves as an advance warning signal to any vessel that might be around the bend or hidden from view, alerting them to the approaching vessel's presence. **Explanation for Incorrect Options:** * **A) One short blast:** A single short blast is the signal used by a power-driven vessel when indicating a change in course *to starboard* (I intend to leave you on my port side) when in sight of another vessel. It is a maneuvering signal, not an advance warning for obscured areas. * **C) Two short blasts:** Two short blasts are the signal used by a power-driven vessel when indicating a change in course *to port* (I intend to leave you on my starboard side) when in sight of another vessel. Like option A, this is a maneuvering signal, not an obscured area warning. * **D) One long blast:** While "long" and "prolonged" are sometimes confused in common language, COLREGs specifically defines the required signal as **one prolonged blast** (a blast lasting from four to six seconds) for this situation (Rule 34(e)). "One long blast" is not a standard, defined maneuvering or warning signal under COLREGs in the same context as "one prolonged blast."