Question 6 ONC07 - OUPV-Near Coastal

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation for Option A (Correct):** This scenario is governed by Rule 34(e) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), which specifically addresses signaling intentions when overtaking in a narrow channel. Rule 34(e)(i) states: "A vessel intending to overtake another in a narrow channel or fairway shall indicate her intention by the following signals: two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast to mean 'I intend to overtake you on your starboard side'; two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts to mean **'I intend to overtake you on your port side'**." Since the intent is to overtake on the vessel's port side, sounding **two prolonged followed by two short blasts** is the mandatory signal to communicate this intention under international rules. Furthermore, the signal is required because the vessel being overtaken has to take action to permit safe passing (as stipulated in Rule 9(e)(i)). **Why Other Options Are Incorrect:** * **B) Sound two prolonged blasts on the whistle:** Two prolonged blasts (or one prolonged blast) are not the signals specified for communicating overtaking intention in a narrow channel. Two prolonged blasts followed by *one* short blast is the signal for overtaking on the starboard side. Two prolonged blasts alone generally do not carry a specific maneuvering intention under Rule 34. * **C) No signal is necessary:** This is incorrect. Rule 34(e) makes signaling mandatory for overtaking in a narrow channel where the vessel being overtaken must take action (Rule 9(e)(i)). The specific signals are required to ensure safe communication and coordinated maneuver. * **D) Sound two short blasts:** Two short blasts signify "I am altering my course to port." This is a maneuvering signal used when vessels are in sight of one another, but it does not convey the full intention of overtaking on the port side in a narrow channel as required by Rule 34(e).