Question 45 OSV02 - Mate - Offshore Supply Vessels

The Correct Answer is B **Why option B ("One prolonged blast") is correct:** According to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) – Rule 34 (Maneuvering and Warning Signals) and Rule 35 (Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility) – and the corresponding Inland Rules (found in 33 CFR Subchapter E, Part 83), a prolonged blast is the standard warning signal used in specific situations. Specifically, **COLREG Rule 34(e) and Inland Rule 83.34(e)** state: > "A vessel nearing a bend or an area of a channel or fairway where other vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction shall sound **one prolonged blast**." > This signal must be answered by an approaching vessel that hears it with a prolonged blast. This signal alerts other vessels that a vessel is approaching a blind spot, ensuring they are aware of its presence before the vessel is visually confirmed. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) One short blast:** This signal, defined as a blast of about one second, indicates a maneuver when vessels are in sight of one another (e.g., "I am altering my course to starboard"). It is a maneuver signal, not a standard blind-bend warning signal. * **C) Two short blasts:** This signal indicates a different maneuvering intent when vessels are in sight of one another (e.g., "I am altering my course to port"). It is a maneuver signal, not the required bend warning signal. * **D) One long blast:** While the COLREGs define "prolonged blast" (4-6 seconds) and "short blast" (about 1 second), the term "long blast" is not the official terminology used for the required warning signal in this context. While "prolonged" implies length, the official regulatory term is "prolonged blast," making option B the precisely correct regulatory answer.