Question 34 RVR02 - Master of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is C **Explanation for C (Correct Option):** Option C, "Sound a whistle blast of 4 to 6 seconds duration," is the correct action required under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically Rule 34(e) (Maneuvering and Warning Signals) and Rule 35(b) (Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility). The signal described—a prolonged blast, defined by Rule 32 as a blast of approximately 4 to 6 seconds duration—is the mandatory signal for a vessel approaching a bend or area of a channel or fairway where other vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction. This signal warns any vessel on the other side of the bend of your presence and intention to pass that obstruction. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** **A) Stay in the middle of the channel:** While generally good practice, staying in the middle of the channel is not the specific action **required** by the Rules when approaching a blind bend. Furthermore, in certain situations (like narrow channels, Rule 9), the rules require keeping as near as safe and practicable to the outer limit of the channel on your starboard side. This option is too general and does not fulfill the required warning function. **B) Stop engines and navigate with caution:** Navigating with caution is required (Rule 5 - Look-out, and Rule 6 - Safe Speed), but stopping the engines is not the mandatory action. The primary mandatory action when approaching a blind bend is the sounding of the specific warning signal (prolonged blast) to notify obscured vessels. **D) Sound passing signals to any other vessel that may be on the other side of the bend:** Passing signals (e.g., one short blast for "I intend to leave you on my port side") are used only when a vessel is in sight of another and is proposing a maneuver (Rule 34(a)). When approaching a blind bend, the vessel you are signaling to is **not in sight**, making passing signals inappropriate. The required signal is the prolonged blast (Rule 34(e)), which is a warning signal, not a maneuvering or passing signal.