Question 40 ONC06 - Master LT 100 GRT

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation for Option A (about 1 second):** The whistle signals used in maneuvering and warning situations (including head-on and crossing situations) are defined by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) Rule 34 and the corresponding Inland Rules. * **Short Blast:** COLREGs Rule 34(a) defines a 'short blast' as a blast of about one second's duration. * **Application:** The signals required for head-on (one short blast for "I intend to leave you on my port side") and crossing situations (one short blast for "I intend to pass ahead of you") are all based on short blasts. Therefore, the duration of each blast in these maneuvering signals is universally understood to be about one second. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **B) 2 to 4 seconds:** This duration is too long for a 'short blast'. Signals lasting 4 to 6 seconds are defined as **'prolonged blasts'** (COLREGs Rule 32), which are typically used for warning or departure/arrival signals (e.g., restricted visibility signals under Rule 35, or turning/leaving signals under Inland Rule 34). * **C) 4 to 6 seconds:** This range describes a **'prolonged blast'** (COLREGs Rule 32 defines it as a blast from 4 to 6 seconds). While prolonged blasts are used in other regulations (like restricted visibility), they are not the duration specified for the individual maneuvering blasts in head-on and crossing situations. * **D) 8 to 10 seconds:** This duration is significantly longer than any standard prescribed whistle signal (short, prolonged, or series of blasts) used under COLREGs or Inland Rules.