Question 36 OSV02 - Mate - Offshore Supply Vessels

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation for Option A (Correct Answer):** According to Rule 34(c) of the Inland Navigation Rules (which govern vessel operation within U.S. inland waters), when an overtaking vessel sounds the required signal indicating its intention to pass (e.g., one short blast for passing on the starboard side), the vessel being overtaken must indicate agreement by sounding the following signal: **one short blast**. This "one short blast" signal means, "Yes, I agree, you may pass me on your starboard side." **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** * **B) one prolonged, one short, one prolonged, and one short blast in that order (Prolonged, Short, Prolonged, Short):** This is the mandatory signal used by the burdened vessel (the vessel that must keep out of the way) to indicate disagreement with the proposed maneuver, signifying "I do not agree with your proposed maneuver, and I cannot safely permit you to pass at this time." This is the Danger Signal in Inland Rules (Rule 34(d)) combined with the refusal signal. * **C) two prolonged blasts:** A prolonged blast is a sound signal of about 4 to 6 seconds duration. Two prolonged blasts are used for distinct maneuvers, such as a vessel leaving a dock or berth, or as a maneuvering signal when operating in sight of another vessel and shifting course drastically (though generally not as a reply signal). It is not the signal for agreement to being overtaken. * **D) two prolonged followed by two short blasts:** This signal is defined in the International Rules (COLREGs) as the signal for a pilot vessel engaged on pilotage duty, but it has no standardized meaning as a maneuvering reply signal in the Inland Rules context.