Question 45 RVR04 - Master or Mate of LT 200 GRT

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation for A (Correct Answer):** Option A is correct according to Rule 35(g) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), which applies to both international and inland waters (as US Inland Rules mirror this provision). Rule 35(g) states that a vessel aground in fog (or restricted visibility) must give the prescribed anchor signal (the rapid ringing of the bell for about five seconds, followed by the rapid sounding of the gong for about five seconds, at intervals of not more than two minutes). **In addition to this anchor signal, the vessel must precede and follow the anchor signal with three separate and distinct strokes on the bell.** This specific sequence alerts other vessels that the anchored vessel is also aground and unable to maneuver. **Explanation for Incorrect Options:** **B) Three strokes on the gong before and after sounding the anchor signal:** While the gong is part of the standard anchor signal for vessels 100 meters or more in length, the specific *additional* signal required for a vessel aground is three distinct strokes on the **bell**, not the gong (Rule 35(g)). **C) Four short blasts on the whistle:** Four short blasts on the whistle is not the prescribed signal for a vessel aground in restricted visibility. Signals involving short blasts are typically used for maneuvering (like intending to overtake) or warning signals (like the danger signal, which is five or more short blasts). **D) One prolonged and one short blast on the whistle:** This signal combination (one prolonged, one short) is used by a vessel when leaving a dock or berth (Inland Rule 34(d)) or is used as a preliminary maneuver signal in some specific circumstances, but it is not the required fog signal for a vessel aground. The standard fog signal for a power-driven vessel making way through the water is one prolonged blast (Rule 35(a)).