Question 45 RVR01 - Master of Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation for A (Correct Answer):** Option A ("Three strokes on the bell before and after the anchor signal") is correct according to Rule 35(g) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), which applies to both International and Inland waters (as Inland Rules generally mirror this requirement). Rule 35(g) states that a vessel aground in fog, in addition to the anchor signals prescribed in Rule 35(f) (rapid ringing of the bell for 5 seconds every 2 minutes), shall sound three separate and distinct strokes on the bell immediately before and immediately after the rapid ringing of the bell. This distinctive signal alerts other vessels that the anchored vessel is also aground and unable to maneuver. **Explanation for Incorrect Options:** **B) Three strokes on the gong before and after sounding the anchor signal:** While the signal for a vessel aground does involve three distinct sounds before and after the anchor signal, those sounds must be made on the **bell**, not the gong. The gong is typically used on vessels 100 meters or more in length as part of the normal anchor signal (Rule 35(f)), but the specific grounding alert signal uses the bell. **C) Four short blasts on the whistle:** Four short blasts is not the prescribed signal for a vessel aground in fog. Short blasts are generally used for maneuvering signals (like indicating course changes or intention to overtake), or, for five or more short blasts, to indicate doubt/danger (a danger signal). **D) One prolonged and one short blast on the whistle:** This signal (one prolonged and one short blast) is used by a vessel when leaving a dock or berth (Inland Rules), or is sometimes mistakenly associated with maneuvering signals. It is not the prescribed fog signal for a vessel aground. The required grounding signal uses the bell, not the whistle.