Question 37 ONC06 - Master LT 100 GRT

The Correct Answer is C **Why option C ("The vessel is altering course to port") is correct:** The question specifies "INTERNATIONAL ONLY." According to Rule 34(a)(ii) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), a vessel operating in international waters is required to use maneuvering and warning signals. * One short blast means: "I am altering my course to starboard." * **Two short blasts mean: "I am altering my course to port."** * Three short blasts mean: "I am operating astern propulsion." Therefore, two short blasts indicate the action is currently happening: the vessel **is altering course to port.** **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) The vessel will alter course to port:** While two short blasts indicate movement to port, the signal is a concurrent statement of action, not a statement of *intent* (which, under International Rules, requires supplementing signals or is implied through one blast meaning 'I am altering'). The signal specifically means "I am altering." * **B) The vessel intends to pass starboard to starboard:** This option confuses the meaning of the maneuvering signal with the intent to pass, which is typically governed by subsequent agreement or specific Rule 34(c) signals (five short blasts for doubt, or specific signals in narrow channels). The basic two-short-blast signal relates only to the vessel's current heading change. * **D) The vessel intends to alter course to port:** This is incorrect for the same reason A is incorrect. Under International Rule 34(a), these signals are statements of *execution* ("I am altering"), not statements of *intent* ("I intend to alter"). (Note: This is a critical distinction, especially compared to the Inland Rules of the USA, where the meaning is generally interpreted as intent).