Question 37 OSV02 - Mate - Offshore Supply Vessels

The Correct Answer is C. ### Explanation for why Option C is correct: The question specifies "INTERNATIONAL ONLY." The Rules of the Road (COLREGs) define specific maneuvering and warning signals. According to **Rule 34(a)(i)** of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs): > "When vessels are in sight of one another, a power-driven vessel under way, when manoeuvring as authorized or required by these Rules, shall indicate that manoeuvre by the following signals on her whistle: > **One short blast** to mean 'I am altering my course to **starboard**.' > **Two short blasts** to mean 'I am altering my course to **port**.' > **Three short blasts** to mean 'I am operating astern propulsion.'" Therefore, under International Rules, **two short blasts** indicates a vessel is currently **altering its course to port**. Option C, "The vessel is altering course to port," accurately reflects the maneuvering signal defined in COLREGs Rule 34(a)(i). ### Explanation for why other options are incorrect: * **A) The vessel will alter course to port:** This uses "will alter" (future tense), suggesting intent, not execution. While the signal *is* related to the maneuver, the International Rule specifically uses active, present-tense phrasing ("I am altering my course to port") to describe the meaning of the signal being sounded *while* the maneuver is happening. In contrast, signals under the U.S. Inland Rules (U.S. Inland Rule 34(a)) are specifically signals of *intent* ("I intend to alter my course to port"). Since the question specifies "INTERNATIONAL ONLY," the present-tense meaning (C) is the precise and correct interpretation. * **B) The vessel intends to pass starboard to starboard:** This is too specific and does not directly relate to the fundamental meaning of two short blasts. While a port turn (two short blasts) might be necessary to effect a starboard-to-starboard passing in some crossing or meeting situations, the signal itself simply means "I am turning to port." Furthermore, passing intentions in narrow channels or fairways are typically handled by signals defined under Rule 34(c) (e.g., two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast for intended starboard-to-starboard passing), not simply two short blasts. * **D) The vessel intends to alter course to port:** As explained in the rejection of Option A, the distinction between "intends to alter" (future/intent) and "is altering" (present/execution) is crucial in the International Rules (COLREGs). Two short blasts under the International Rules indicates the maneuver is actively taking place ("I am altering..."), making the present-tense description (C) the correct choice over the future-tense description (D).