Question 18 RVR05 - Master of LT 100 GRT

The Correct Answer is A **Why Option A ("One prolonged blast") is correct:** According to both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and the Inland Navigation Rules, a vessel nearing a bend or an area of a channel or waterway where other vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction is required to sound a signal indicating its presence and intent. The required signal for this maneuver is **one prolonged blast** (a blast lasting approximately 4 to 6 seconds). This signal alerts vessels that may be around the bend of the approaching traffic. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **B) Two short blasts:** This signal is used to indicate a passing intention when operating under the "Head-on" or "Crossing" rules, specifically meaning "I intend to leave you to port" (when used in Inland Rules) or "I am altering my course to port" (when used in International Rules). It does not signify approaching a blind bend. * **C) One short blast:** This signal indicates "I intend to leave you to starboard" (Inland Rules) or "I am altering my course to starboard" (International Rules). It is a maneuver signal, not an awareness signal for obscured areas. * **D) One long blast:** While the terminology "long blast" is sometimes used colloquially, the official and specific terminology used in the Rules for this situation is "prolonged blast." More critically, a "long blast" (or prolonged blast) is also the required signal for a vessel leaving a berth or anchorage, but the most direct and accurate answer for approaching a blind bend is officially designated as a **prolonged blast**. Since A specifically uses the correct regulatory term "prolonged blast," it is the superior answer over D, which uses a less standardized or less precise term.