Question 6 ONC05 - Master or Mate of LT 200 GRT

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation for why Option A ("Sound two prolonged followed by two short blasts") is correct:** This scenario falls under Rule 9(e)(i) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), which governs passing in narrow channels. When a power-driven vessel intends to overtake another power-driven vessel in a narrow channel or fairway, and the vessel to be overtaken **has to take action to permit safe passing**, the overtaking vessel must signal this intention using the appropriate sound signal. The required signal is: **two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast** to indicate intention to pass on the starboard side of the vessel ahead, OR **two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts** to indicate intention to pass on the port side of the vessel ahead. Since the question specifies the intention is to overtake on the **port side**, the correct signal is **two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts**. **Explanation of why other options are incorrect:** * **B) Sound two prolonged blasts on the whistle:** This signal, defined in Rule 34(c), is the maneuvering signal used to inform another vessel of one's presence when approaching a blind bend or exiting a restricted area. It is not the specified signal for requesting permission to overtake on the port side in a narrow channel. * **C) No signal is necessary:** This is incorrect. Rule 9(e)(i) specifically mandates that when overtaking requires the vessel ahead to take action to permit safe passing, the overtaking vessel *must* use the defined sound signal to communicate the intention and request cooperation. * **D) Sound two short blasts:** This maneuvering signal (Rule 34(a)(ii)) indicates "I am altering my course to port." While it involves moving to port, it is used for course alteration, not for initiating an overtaking maneuver that requires cooperation in a narrow channel under Rule 9.