Question 26 RVR02 - Master of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is A. ### Explanation of Why Option A is Correct: **A) You need not sound any whistle signals.** This scenario falls under the rules governing sound signals, specifically Rule 34 (Maneuvering and Warning Signals) of the Inland Navigation Rules. Rule 34(a)(i) requires a power-driven vessel, **when taking action under Rule 19 (Restricted Visibility) or Rule 34(d) (Danger Signal), or when maneuvering to meet, cross, or overtake**, to indicate the maneuver with whistle blasts (one, two, or three short blasts). However, the key elements in the question exempt the vessel from sounding the signals required by Rule 34(a): 1. **"INLAND ONLY":** Inland Rules apply. 2. **"In sight of another power-driven vessel forward of your beam":** The vessels are in sight of one another. 3. **"More than 0.5 mile away":** The vessels are not operating in a narrow channel or river environment where "meeting" or "crossing" signals (Rule 34(a)(i) and 34(a)(ii)) are mandatory for every course change. Furthermore, the action (full speed astern) is being taken when the vessels are distant (more than 0.5 mile). Under U.S. Inland Rules, a whistle signal indicating an engine reversal (three short blasts, Rule 34(a)(i)) is only *required* if the action is part of a necessary maneuver (meeting, crossing, or overtaking) or if it constitutes a "maneuver which is necessary to satisfy the requirements of this Rule" (i.e., maneuvering in relation to another vessel that requires a course or speed change). If the vessel is merely slowing down or stopping its headway by reversing engines, and the reversal is **not** immediately part of a necessary Rule 34 (a)(i) maneuver and is not being done in close proximity to the other vessel (as indicated by the 0.5 mile distance), the three-blast signal is **not mandatory** under Inland Rules. The Inland Rules only require signals when taking or proposing certain actions relative to another vessel, typically within close range. ### Why Other Options Are Incorrect: **B) You must sound whistle signals only if the vessels are meeting.** This is incorrect because Inland Rule 34(a)(i) requires signals not just for meeting, but also for crossing, overtaking, or when taking action under Rule 19 or 34(d). However, regardless of the vessel relationship, the action (reversing engines) is only mandatory if it is part of one of those specified maneuvers, which is not stated in the prompt. **C) You must sound one blast if backing to starboard.** This is incorrect. One blast is the signal for "I intend to leave you on my port side" (Inland meeting/overtaking) or "I am altering my course to starboard" (International/Inland). Reversing the engines (going full speed astern) requires three short blasts, not one blast, when the signal is mandatory. Furthermore, the signal for reversing engines does not depend on the intended direction of the stern's swing (starboard or port). **D) You must sound three short blasts on the whistle.** Three short blasts signify "I am operating astern propulsion." This signal is **required** only if the engine reversal is part of a necessary maneuver (meeting, crossing, or overtaking) or if it constitutes a necessary maneuver relative to another vessel in proximity. Because the vessels are more than 0.5 mile away and no specific maneuvering context (meeting/crossing) is provided, the three-blast signal is not mandatory under the Inland Rules interpretation for distant or independent speed changes.