Question 38 OSV01 - Master/Chief Mate - Offshore Supply Vessels

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation for Option A (Correct Answer):** The meaning of whistle signals for power-driven vessels operating in sight of one another is defined by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically Rule 34. COLREGs Rule 34(a)(i) states that: * **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, a two-blast whistle signal signifies: "I am altering course to port." *** **Explanation of Why Other Options Are Incorrect:** * **B) "I desire to pass starboard to starboard"**: While a two-blast signal indicates the vessel is moving to port (which would facilitate a starboard-to-starboard passing in a meeting situation), the signal itself is a statement of **action** ("I am altering course"), not a statement of **desire** for a specific passing arrangement. Furthermore, in COLREGs, the signal for maneuvering usually refers to the course alteration itself. * **C) "I desire to pass port-to-port"**: A port-to-port passing is the standard maneuver when two vessels are meeting head-on (COLREGs Rule 14). This maneuver requires the vessel to turn to starboard, which is indicated by **one short blast**, not two. * **D) "I intend to alter course to port"**: COLREGs Rule 34 uses the present continuous tense ("I am altering my course"), indicating the action is commencing or underway, rather than merely an intent or desire. While in practical terms these signals communicate intent, the precise wording mandated by COLREGs defines the two short blasts as confirming the action of altering course to port.