Question 34 RVR01 - Master of Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is C **Explanation for Option C (Correct):** Option C, "Sound a whistle blast of 4 to 6 seconds duration," is the correct action required by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and Inland Rules. Rule 34(e) specifically addresses signals required when a vessel approaches a bend or obstruction that prevents a view of other approaching vessels. * **Rule 34(e) states:** "When a vessel is nearing a bend or an area of a channel or fairway where other vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction, that vessel shall sound **one prolonged blast**." * **Definition of Prolonged Blast (Rule 32):** A prolonged blast is defined as a blast of approximately **4 to 6 seconds** duration. Therefore, sounding a prolonged blast (4 to 6 seconds) is the required signal to warn any obscured vessels of your presence. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** **A) Stay in the middle of the channel:** While generally good practice to stay within the navigable channel, staying strictly in the middle does not satisfy the requirement to warn obscured vessels and may even put you in the path of a vessel approaching the bend on its proper side of the channel (typically the outer curve). This action does not address the mandatory signaling requirement. **B) Stop engines and navigate with caution:** Navigating with caution is always required (Rule 5 and Rule 8), but stopping engines is not the mandatory action for approaching a blind bend. The primary requirement is to signal your presence. Stopping might impede traffic flow or make maneuvering difficult, and it does not fulfill the signaling rule. **D) Sound passing signals to any other vessel that may be on the other side of the bend:** Passing signals (short blasts indicating intentions like "I intend to leave you on my port side") are signals used for maneuvering in sight of another vessel (Rule 34(a)). Since you cannot see the other side of the bend, you cannot initiate passing signals. The rule requires a general warning signal (prolonged blast), not specific passing intentions.