Question 6 ONC02 - Second Mate/Third Mate Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is A **Why option A ("Sound two prolonged followed by two short blasts") is correct:** This scenario is governed by Rule 34(e) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), which specifically addresses signaling during overtaking maneuvers in a narrow channel or fairway when the vessel being overtaken must take action to permit safe passing. According to COLREGs Rule 34(e): > "A vessel intending to overtake another in a narrow channel or fairway shall in support of Rule 9(e)(i) indicate her intention by the following signals: > (i) two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast to mean 'I intend to overtake you on your **starboard** side'; > (ii) two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts to mean 'I intend to overtake you on your **port** side'." Since the intention is to overtake on the **port side**, the correct signal is **two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts**. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **B) Sound two prolonged blasts on the whistle:** Two prolonged blasts is the correct signal for a vessel "at anchor" in conditions of restricted visibility (Rule 35(g)), or the initial part of the overtaking signal, but it is not the complete and correct signal to indicate intent to overtake on the port side in a narrow channel. * **C) No signal is necessary:** A signal **is** necessary under Rule 34(e) because this maneuver takes place in a narrow channel and requires the vessel being overtaken to take action (Rule 9(e)). * **D) Sound two short blasts:** Two short blasts is the maneuver signal meaning "I am altering my course to port" (Rule 34(a)(ii)). It is not the specified signal for indicating the intention to overtake on the port side in a narrow channel.