Question 37 OSV01 - Master/Chief Mate - Offshore Supply Vessels

The Correct Answer is C **Explanation for Option C (Correct Answer):** According to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), Rule 34(a)(ii) governs the meaning of 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 signal that the vessel is currently in the process of altering its course to port. **Why the Other Options are Incorrect:** * **A) The vessel will alter course to port:** This implies a future action. COLREGs signals describe the action being taken *at that moment*. While the intention is to complete the turn, the two short blasts specifically indicate the action is currently underway ("I am altering..."). * **B) The vessel intends to pass starboard to starboard:** Passing intentions are signaled differently, usually within a recognized reciprocal passing situation, and often involve whistle signals combined with VHF communication. Specifically, in a head-on or crossing situation, signaling an action (like two short blasts) describes the maneuver the signaling vessel is taking, not necessarily the overall passing agreement or intention. Furthermore, in certain inland rules (not International), five or more short blasts are used to signal disagreement or doubt, which could be related to passing intentions, but two short blasts are strictly a course change signal. * **D) The vessel intends to alter course to port:** Similar to option A, "intends to alter" suggests a plan or future action. The phrasing of the COLREGs rule uses the present continuous tense ("I am altering"), meaning the signal is sounded simultaneously with the rudder being put over or the turn commencing. Option C ("is altering course") accurately reflects this present action.