Question 48 OSV01 - Master/Chief Mate - Offshore Supply Vessels

The Correct Answer is C ### Explanation for Option C (Correct) **C) One prolonged and two short blasts at two-minute intervals** This answer is correct based on Rule 35(c) and 35(e) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), which applies to both international and Inland waters (as the Inland Rules generally align with COLREGs on this point). 1. **Status of the Vessel:** A vessel engaged in fishing is classified as a vessel **restricted in its ability to maneuver** (Rule 3(g)). 2. **Priority of Signal:** When a vessel is restricted in its maneuverability due to an operation (like fishing), that operational status takes signaling precedence over merely being at anchor. 3. **Required Signal:** Rule 35(c) requires a vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver (including a vessel engaged in fishing, per 35(e)) to sound **one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts** at intervals of not more than two minutes. This signal alerts other vessels that it cannot move out of the way easily, regardless of whether it is making way, dead in the water, or at anchor. --- ### Explanation for Incorrect Options **A) A rapid ringing of the bell for five seconds at one-minute intervals** This is the standard fog signal for a vessel **at anchor** (Rule 35(f)). While the vessel is indeed anchored, this signal does not convey the critical information that the vessel is also "engaged in fishing" and thus restricted in its ability to maneuver. The restricted maneuver signal takes precedence. **B) One prolonged and three short blasts at two-minute intervals** This is the fog signal required for a vessel **towing or pushing** (Rule 35(d)). This vessel is engaged in fishing, not towing. **D) A sounding of the bell and gong at one-minute intervals** The use of both a bell and a gong is required for a vessel **at anchor** that is **100 meters or more in length** (Rule 35(g)). Even if the vessel were this large, the signal only communicates that the vessel is at anchor and fails to communicate that it is restricted in its ability to maneuver due to being engaged in fishing.