Question 26 RVR04 - Master or Mate of LT 200 GRT

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation of why option A ("You need not sound any whistle signals.") is correct:** The scenario described occurs "INLAND ONLY" (referring to the U.S. Inland Rules of Navigation). The Inland Rules mandate the use of whistle signals (maneuvering signals) only when vessels are **in sight of one another and are approaching one another and/or meeting, crossing, or overtaking, and when a maneuver is being executed to affect the course or speed of the vessel** (33 CFR § 83.34(a)). The key distinction here is the **distance and intent**. You are more than 0.5 mile (half a mile) away from the other vessel. Maneuvering signals are intended for immediate actions affecting close-quarters situations. At 0.5 mile or more, the vessels are generally not considered to be "approaching one another" in a close-quarters maneuvering sense requiring whistle blasts. Furthermore, a rule-mandated maneuvering signal (like three short blasts) signifies that the vessel is taking action to change its course or speed *relative to the other vessel* in a potential passing/meeting/crossing situation. If the vessels are still half a mile apart, a change in engine speed is not yet considered a required close-quarters maneuver necessitating the signal. Under Inland Rules, whistle signals are mandatory for maneuvers when vessels are in sight of one another and **intend to pass** (usually required for approaching vessels where risk of collision exists). Since the vessels are far apart, the action of reversing the engines is an internal maneuver not yet required to be communicated via whistle signal under the Inland Rules. **Explanation of why the other options are incorrect:** * **B) You must sound whistle signals only if the vessels are meeting.** * This is incorrect because Inland maneuvering signals (blasts) are required for meeting, crossing, and overtaking situations. However, even in a meeting situation, the distance constraint (more than 0.5 mile away) exempts the vessel from mandatory whistle signals at this time. * **C) You must sound one blast if backing to starboard.** * This is factually incorrect regarding the required signal. One blast means "I intend to leave you on my port side" (Inland, for meeting/passing). The signal for operating astern propulsion is three short blasts, not one. Furthermore, the mandatory sounding of any signal is negated by the distance (> 0.5 mile). * **D) You must sound three short blasts on the whistle.** * Three short blasts ("I am operating astern propulsion") is the correct signal for putting your engines full speed astern under both Inland and International Rules. However, under the U.S. Inland Rules, this signal is only mandatory when vessels are in close proximity and the astern movement is a maneuver necessary for or affecting safe passing or navigation relative to the other vessel. Since the other vessel is more than 0.5 mile away, the astern action is not yet considered a maneuvering signal requiring mandatory communication under 33 CFR § 83.34(a).