Question 12 RVR02 - Master of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation for B (Correct Answer):** The signal of five or more short blasts is defined under Rule 34(d) of both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and the Inland Rules as a **danger signal**. It indicates that the sounding vessel doubts whether sufficient action is being taken by the other vessel to avoid a collision, or doubts the intentions of the other vessel. In this scenario: 1. You are the burdened vessel because the other vessel is on your starboard bow (Rule 15 – Crossing Situation). You are required to keep out of the way, which includes avoiding crossing ahead of the stand-on vessel. 2. The other vessel believes your current approach (which you anticipate will cross ahead of them) is dangerous or confusing, prompting them to sound the danger signal. 3. Upon hearing the danger signal, you must take immediate and substantial action to dispel the doubt and avoid collision. Rule 8 (Action to Avoid Collision) requires action to be positive and timely. Making a large course change (turning to starboard to pass astern of the other vessel) and slowing down or stopping if necessary (Rule 8(e) and Rule 16) is the definitive action required of the burdened vessel to resolve the perilous situation immediately and clearly. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** **A) initiate a passing signal that will allow for a half mile clearance:** This is incorrect because passing signals are used to indicate an intention to pass or overtake (Rule 34(a) and (c)). When a danger signal (five short blasts) has already been sounded, the situation demands immediate evasive action, not a new proposal for passing. Furthermore, the signal of five short blasts suggests the other vessel already objects to the current trajectory, making a passing signal inappropriate until the danger is resolved. **C) reduce speed slightly:** This action is not "positive" and "timely" as required by Rule 8. A slight reduction in speed may not be noticeable to the other vessel, nor may it be sufficient to guarantee safe passage astern, especially since the other vessel has indicated an imminent danger. Substantial action is required. **D) answer the signal and hold course and speed:** This is incorrect and highly dangerous. Answering the danger signal with a danger signal (if that were even possible) and then holding course and speed is a direct violation of collision avoidance rules. As the burdened vessel, you must take action to keep clear (Rule 16). Holding course and speed would perpetuate the dangerous situation that caused the other vessel to sound the alarm.