Question 6 OSV01 - Master/Chief Mate - Offshore Supply Vessels

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation of Option A (Sound two prolonged followed by two short blasts):** This signal is mandated by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically Rule 34(c)(i). Rule 34 deals with Maneuvering and Warning Signals. When an overtaking vessel intends to pass another vessel in a narrow channel on its port side, and the vessel to be overtaken must take action to permit safe passing, the standard international signal is: * **Two prolonged blasts** followed by **two short blasts**. * This combination means: "I intend to overtake you on your port side." (Note: If the intention were to overtake on the starboard side, the signal would be two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast.) *** **Explanation of why other options are incorrect:** **B) Sound two prolonged blasts on the whistle** Two prolonged blasts alone are not a defined maneuvering signal under Rule 34 for indicating an overtaking intention or direction. The signal requires the subsequent short blasts to specify the side of passage (port or starboard). **C) No signal is necessary** This is incorrect. In a narrow channel, when the operation requires the overtaken vessel to take action (as specified in the prompt), the overtaking vessel must initiate communication and request consent using the specified signals (Rule 9(e) and 34(c)). Passing without signaling violates international regulations. **D) Sound two short blasts** Under COLREG Rule 34(a), two short blasts simply mean: "I am altering my course to port." While the action is to port, this is the general maneuvering signal used when within sight of another vessel, not the specific, mandatory signal required to request permission to overtake on the port side in a narrow channel (which requires the two preceding prolonged blasts).