Question 21 RVR04 - Master or Mate of LT 200 GRT

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation for B (one short blast):** The scenario described involves two power-driven vessels crossing in **INLAND ONLY** waters. Vessel "A" sounds **one short blast**, which, under Inland Rules, signifies a proposal to leave Vessel "B" (the vessel being overtaken or crossing) on Vessel A's port side (or a proposal to pass port-to-port). Rule 34(a)(i) of the Inland Rules states that when power-driven vessels are meeting or crossing and operating in sight of one another, the initial signal proposing the maneuver must be answered by the other vessel. If the responding vessel agrees with the proposed maneuver, they must sound the **same whistle signal** immediately. Since Vessel A sounded one short blast (proposing a port-to-port passing or maneuver), Vessel B must also sound **one short blast** to signify agreement. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) three short blasts:** This signal indicates that the vessel is operating astern propulsion (reversing). It is used to indicate the vessel's movement, not agreement to a crossing maneuver. * **C) two short blasts:** Under Inland Rules, two short blasts signal a proposal to leave the other vessel on the signaling vessel's starboard side (a starboard-to-starboard passing). If Vessel A proposed a port-to-port passing (one short blast), Vessel B sounding two short blasts would indicate disagreement and a counter-proposal, not agreement. * **D) two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts:** This signal is the Maneuvering and Warning Signal specified in International Rule 34(e) to indicate doubt or disagreement regarding the other vessel's intentions or to warn of danger. It is not the standard signal for agreeing to a passing maneuver in Inland waters.