Question 37 ONC03 - Master LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is C. ### Why Option C ("The vessel is altering course to port") is correct: Under the **International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) Rule 34(a)(i)**, sound signals are used to indicate maneuvers. * **One short blast** means: "I am altering my course to starboard." * **Two short blasts** means: "I am altering my course to port." * **Three short blasts** means: "I am operating astern propulsion." The use of the present progressive tense ("is altering") in the International Rules signifies that the action is actively being performed at the time the signal is sounded, not merely intended for the future. Therefore, two short blasts indicate the vessel **is altering course to port**. ### Why the other options are incorrect: * **A) The vessel will alter course to port:** This uses the future tense ("will alter") which implies an *intent* or a plan. While the signal clearly indicates a change to port, the language of the International Rules emphasizes the action being performed (is altering), not just the intent (intends to alter). * **B) The vessel intends to pass starboard to starboard:** This is incorrect. There is no standard sound signal consisting solely of two short blasts that communicates an intention to pass starboard to starboard. In narrow channels, signals for overtaking are distinct (e.g., two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast signifies intent to overtake on the starboard side). In open waters, the two-short-blast signal relates strictly to the vessel's own change of course to port. * **D) The vessel intends to alter course to port:** This is the most common confusion point, as it relates to the *intent* of the vessel. However, under the **International Rules (Rule 34(a))**, the signals are defined as "I am altering my course..." (present progressive), emphasizing the execution of the maneuver, not just the intent. In contrast, under the **Inland Rules**, the one- and two-blast signals *do* indicate **intent** (e.g., "I intend to leave you on my port side..."). Since the question specifies "INTERNATIONAL ONLY," the definition requiring the action to be underway ("is altering") is mandatory.