Question 37 ONC05 - Master or Mate of LT 200 GRT

The Correct Answer is C ### Why Option C is Correct: In the International Rules (COLREGs), Rule 34(a)(i) governs maneuvering and warning signals. * **One short blast** signifies: "I am altering my course to **starboard**." * **Two short blasts** signifies: "I am altering my course to **port**." * **Three short blasts** signifies: "I am operating astern propulsion." The crucial distinction is that these signals communicate an action that is **currently happening** (or beginning immediately), not just an intention for future action. Therefore, two short blasts indicate that the vessel **is altering course to port**. ### Why Other Options Are Incorrect: * **A) The vessel will alter course to port:** While the vessel is indeed altering course to port, the word "will" can imply a future action or intention, whereas the signal strictly communicates the action being executed. Option C uses the present tense ("is altering"), which is the most precise interpretation of the signal according to COLREGs. * **B) The vessel intends to pass starboard to starboard:** Passing signals (which govern actions like overtaking or meeting head-on) are primarily the domain of the **Inland Rules** (and specifically the Western Rivers or Great Lakes annexes in the U.S.). In the International Rules, one or two short blasts only communicate the specific maneuver (altering course to starboard or port, respectively) being undertaken by the signaling vessel, not a complex passing agreement. * **D) The vessel intends to alter course to port:** This is incorrect for the same reason as Option A. The signal communicates a present action ("is altering"), not merely an intention ("intends to alter"). COLREG Rule 34 states these signals are given "when maneuvering... to indicate the maneuver being executed."