Question 45 TV01 - Towing Vessels - Oceans or Near Coastal

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation for Option B (One prolonged blast):** According to both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs Rule 34(e)) and the Inland Navigational Rules (Inland Rule 34(e)), a vessel nearing a bend or an area of a channel or fairway where other vessels may be obscured by an obstruction is required to sound a specific cautionary signal. This signal is **one prolonged blast** (a blast lasting 4 to 6 seconds). This signal alerts vessels that may be around the bend of the vessel's presence and intention to pass the obstruction. If a vessel around the bend hears this signal, it must answer with one prolonged blast. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** * **A) One short blast:** A single short blast (approximately 1 second) is used to indicate an action, specifically when maneuvering (e.g., "I am altering my course to starboard"). It is a maneuvering signal, not a general cautionary signal for an obscured bend. * **C) Two short blasts:** Two short blasts indicate another maneuvering action (e.g., "I am altering my course to port"). Like one short blast, it is a specific maneuvering signal, not the designated signal for an obscured bend. * **D) One long blast:** While the duration of a "prolonged" blast (4–6 seconds) is often colloquially referred to as "long," the official terminology in the rules for the bend signal is "one prolonged blast." More importantly, "one long blast" (a blast of 8–10 seconds) is the distress signal or the general warning signal used only by power-driven vessels leaving a dock or berth. It is not the prescribed signal for rounding a bend.