Question 40 TV01 - Towing Vessels - Oceans or Near Coastal

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation for Option A (about 1 second):** Option A ("about 1 second") is correct because it accurately defines a "short blast" as specified in both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and the U.S. Inland Rules regarding maneuvering and warning signals (Rule 34). * **COLREGs/Inland Rule 34 (a):** When vessels are in sight of one another, maneuvering signals (such as one short blast for "I am altering my course to starboard," or two short blasts for "I am altering my course to port," or three short blasts for "I am operating astern propulsion") must be used. * **Definitions (Rule 32):** Both International and Inland Rules define a **short blast** as a blast of about one second duration. * The signals used in head-on and/or crossing situations (passing signals) are exclusively **short blasts**. **Explanation for Incorrect Options:** * **B) 2 to 4 seconds:** This duration is too long for a maneuvering signal (short blast). However, it is relevant for defining a **prolonged blast** (4 to 6 seconds) or the components of an urgency signal (five or more short blasts). Specifically, this range falls between the defined short blast and prolonged blast. * **C) 4 to 6 seconds:** This duration defines a **prolonged blast** (not a short blast) as specified in Rule 32. Prolonged blasts are used primarily as warning signals (e.g., restricted visibility signals under Rule 35, or the departure/maneuvering warning signal under Inland Rule 34(b)). They are not the duration used for the head-on/crossing passing signals (Rule 34(a)). * **D) 8 to 10 seconds:** This duration is much too long for any standard blast defined by COLREGs or Inland Rules.