Question 7 ONC07 - OUPV-Near Coastal

The Correct Answer is C **Explanation for Option C (Correct Answer):** Option C states: "You may sound at least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle." This is the correct action to take when operating in a narrow channel (Rule 9) or any situation where risk of collision exists and the operator is in doubt as to the intentions or actions of another vessel. * Rule 9 (Narrow Channels) is relevant to the scenario, but the specific action of indicating doubt or danger is covered by **Rule 34(e) (Maneuvering and Warning Signals)** of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). * Rule 34(e) states: "If necessary, a vessel may supplement the prescribed signals with light or sound signals that do not conflict with the Regulations. If a vessel is in doubt as to the intention or action of the other vessel, or as to whether sufficient action is being taken by the other vessel to avoid collision, the vessel in doubt shall immediately indicate such doubt by sounding at least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle." Since you are in doubt about the intentions of the crossing vessel, sounding five or more short blasts is the proper warning signal. **Explanation for Incorrect Options:** **A) You must sound one prolonged and two short blasts:** This signal (a prolonged blast followed by two short blasts) is the mandatory maneuvering signal required under Rule 34(c) when a vessel is leaving a berth or docking (i.e., maneuvering to get underway or approaching a place to moor). It has nothing to do with warning a vessel crossing your path while you are in doubt. **B) You should sound one short blast to indicate that you are holding course and speed:** Under the International Rules (COLREGs), maneuvering signals (Rule 34(a)) indicate *action* taken, not *intentions* or *holding* course. A single short blast indicates: "I am altering my course to starboard." Since you are holding course and speed (or are simply in doubt), sounding one short blast would be an incorrect and misleading maneuvering signal. **D) You are required to back down:** While taking evasive action, which could include backing down, is required if a risk of collision exists (Rule 8), no specific rule or regulation mandates that backing down is the **primary or immediate required action** when you are simply "in doubt as to his intentions." The immediate requirement upon being in doubt is to signal that doubt using the five-short-blast signal (Rule 34(e)), allowing you to assess the situation before taking drastic, potentially destabilizing, maneuvering action.