Question 38 TV01 - Towing Vessels - Oceans or Near Coastal

The Correct Answer is A. A two-blast whistle signal by a power-driven vessel meeting another power-driven vessel signifies a precise maneuver as defined by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically Rule 34(a)(i). This rule states: "When vessels are in sight of one another, a power-driven vessel under way, when manoeuvring as authorized or required by these Rules, shall indicate that manoeuvre by the following signals on her whistle: two short blasts to mean 'I am altering my course to port'." Therefore, the signal means the vessel is actively and immediately altering its course to port. Here is why the other options are incorrect: B) **"I desire to pass starboard to starboard"** is incorrect because Rule 34(a)(i) assigns this meaning to the actual action of altering course to port. Passing starboard-to-starboard is the **result** of both vessels executing a course change to port (or one vessel changing course to port while the other maintains course), but the two-blast signal itself communicates the **action** of turning port. C) **"I desire to pass port-to-port"** is incorrect. In COLREGs (International Regulations), the intention to alter course to starboard, which typically facilitates a port-to-port passing arrangement, is signaled by **one short blast** ("I am altering my course to starboard"). D) **"I intend to alter course to port"** is incorrect because the language used in Rule 34(a)(i) is definitive: "I am altering my course to port." The signal communicates the immediate execution of the maneuver, not just a future intent or desire.