Question 21 RVR02 - Master of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation for Option B (Correct Answer):** This scenario is governed by the Inland Rules of Navigation (specifically Rule 34 - Maneuvering and Warning Signals). The illustration D042RR (which depicts a crossing situation where Vessel A is the stand-on vessel and Vessel B is the burdened vessel, or simply a crossing situation where vessels are exchanging signals for passing arrangement) involves power-driven vessels exchanging whistle signals when maneuvering near each other. Vessel "A" initiates the passing/crossing signal by sounding **one short blast**. Under the Inland Rules, a power-driven vessel sounds: * **One short blast** to signify: "I intend to leave you on my port side" (port-to-port passing) OR "I intend to hold my course and speed" (in a crossing situation where A is the stand-on vessel and proposing to maintain course). Vessel "B," if in agreement with Vessel A's proposal, must sound the **exact same signal** to confirm the maneuver. * Therefore, if Vessel A sounds **one short blast**, and Vessel B agrees, Vessel B must sound **one short blast** in response. This confirms the agreed-upon maneuver (e.g., A passing port-to-port, or A maintaining course and B taking action). **Why the Other Options are Incorrect:** * **A) three short blasts:** Three short blasts signal "astern propulsion." This is used when a vessel is operating its engines astern, usually to back down, slow down rapidly, or stop. It is not the correct response for agreeing to a passing signal. * **C) two short blasts:** Two short blasts signify "I intend to leave you on my starboard side" (starboard-to-starboard passing). If Vessel B sounded two short blasts in response to A's one short blast, it would be indicating disagreement (a "danger" signal is then required if B believes the proposal is unsafe, or B must signal agreement if the proposal is safe and proper). B must sound one short blast to show agreement with A's one short blast. * **D) two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts:** This signal is the mandatory signal used by a towing vessel when towing another vessel or vessels (Rule 34(e)). It is not used as a response signal for agreeing to a maneuvering signal between two non-towing power-driven vessels.