Question 48 TV01 - Towing Vessels - Oceans or Near Coastal

The Correct Answer is C **Why Option C is Correct:** Option C, "One prolonged and two short blasts at two-minute intervals," is the correct fog signal specified by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), Rule 35(c), for a vessel **not under command**, a **restricted in her ability to maneuver** vessel, a **sailing vessel**, a **vessel engaged in fishing (including when at anchor)**, or a **towing/pushing vessel**, when making way through the water. Although the vessel in the question is "at anchor," Rule 35(c) specifically applies this signal to a vessel engaged in fishing, regardless of whether she is moving or stopped (the signal for a general vessel at anchor, Rule 35(g), is different, but the specific type of vessel—fishing—takes precedence). *COLREGs Rule 35(c):* A vessel engaged in fishing, when at anchor, is considered to be a vessel 'engaged in fishing' for signaling purposes, and must sound the prescribed signal for that category: **one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts** (sounded at intervals of not more than two minutes). **Why the Other Options are Incorrect:** * **A) A rapid ringing of the bell for five seconds at one-minute intervals:** This signal (Rule 35(g)) is for a vessel **at anchor** in a general sense, but it applies only to vessels less than 100 meters in length and that are *not* otherwise restricted or engaged in special operations like fishing. Since the vessel is engaged in fishing, the specific rule (35(c)) applies instead of the general rule (35(g)). * **B) One prolonged and three short blasts at two-minute intervals:** This signal (Rule 35(d)) is designated for a vessel **being towed**, or if manned, the last vessel being towed. It is not the signal for a vessel engaged in fishing. * **D) A sounding of the bell and gong at one-minute intervals:** This signal (Rule 35(g)) is for a vessel **at anchor** that is **100 meters or more in length**. While the bell (forward) and gong (aft) are used for large anchored vessels, it is the general anchor signal, which is superseded by the specific signal for a vessel engaged in fishing (Rule 35(c)).