Question 36 ONC05 - Master or Mate of LT 200 GRT

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation of Option A (Correct Answer):** In the **Inland** Rules of the Road (33 CFR Subchapter E), Rule 34(c) governs signals for vessels being overtaken. When a vessel (the overtaking vessel) sounds the appropriate signal to indicate its intention to pass (either two short blasts for passing on the port side, or one short blast for passing on the starboard side), the vessel being overtaken must respond. If the overtaken vessel agrees that it is safe to pass, it shall sound the following signal: **one short blast**. This signal serves as the agreement that the passing may safely proceed. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** * **B) one prolonged, one short, one prolonged, and one short blast in that order:** This signal is prescribed by the **International** Rules of the Road (COLREGs Rule 34(c)) as the agreement signal for an overtaking maneuver, not the Inland Rules. Since the question specifies "INLAND ONLY," this option is incorrect. * **C) two prolonged blasts:** A prolonged blast (4 to 6 seconds) is generally used as a warning signal (Rule 34(a)) or for navigating around bends or obstructions (Rule 34(e)). Two prolonged blasts do not constitute the signal of agreement for an overtaking situation under the Inland Rules. * **D) two prolonged followed by two short blasts:** This sequence of signals (two prolonged and two short) is the prescribed danger signal used by the vessel initiating an overtaking maneuver in the Inland Rules when the overtaken vessel's intended passing maneuver requires cooperation (Rule 34(c)(ii))—or, more commonly, it is often referenced as a general warning or backing signal, but it is not the standard Inland agreement signal for the overtaken vessel.