Question 26 RVR05 - Master of LT 100 GRT

The Correct Answer is A. ### Explanation of Why Option A is Correct **Option A: You need not sound any whistle signals.** This statement is correct because the scenario described occurs on **INLAND ONLY** waters (governed by the U.S. Inland Rules of the Road). The Inland Rules mandate that a power-driven vessel must sound whistle signals only when maneuvering (like meeting, crossing, or overtaking) and the vessels are **in sight of one another and within half a mile (0.5 NM) of each other.** The scenario explicitly states that the other vessel is **more than 0.5 mile away**. Since the vessels are separated by a distance greater than 0.5 NM, they are considered to be operating in an early stage of encounter or not yet in "close quarters," and thus, whistle signals are not required for maneuvering actions under the Inland Rules (33 CFR § 83.34(a)). ### Explanation of Why Other Options Are Incorrect **Option D: You must sound three short blasts on the whistle.** This option is incorrect. Three short blasts ("I am operating astern propulsion") is the correct signal for backing up under the Inland Rules, but only if the vessels are **in sight and within 0.5 NM** of each other. Since the other vessel is more than 0.5 NM away, no signal is required. **Option C: You must sound one blast if backing to starboard.** This option is incorrect for two reasons: 1) One blast signifies "I intend to leave you on my port side" (or "I intend to pass you on my port side"), which is a passing signal, not an astern signal. 2) The correct signal for astern propulsion is three short blasts. 3) Regardless of the specific signal, no signal is required when the vessels are separated by more than 0.5 NM. **Option B: You must sound whistle signals only if the vessels are meeting.** This option is incorrect. While whistle signals are required for meeting situations, they are also required for crossing, overtaking, and when operating astern propulsion if the vessels are within 0.5 NM. More critically, signals are only required if within the 0.5 NM range, which this scenario exceeds.