Question 48 TV02 - Towing Vessels - Great Lakes and Inland

The Correct Answer is C **Explanation for Option C (Correct Answer):** Option C, "One prolonged and two short blasts at two-minute intervals," is the correct fog signal for a power-driven vessel that is underway but stopped, or a vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver, or a vessel engaged in fishing (whether underway or at anchor). According to **Rule 35(c) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs)**, a vessel not under command, a vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver (which fishing gear often implies), a vessel constrained by its draft, a sailing vessel, or a vessel engaged in fishing (including when anchored to fish or merely anchored) shall sound: **one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts** at intervals of not more than two minutes. A vessel engaged in fishing while at anchor is still defined by its activity (fishing) and therefore must use the signal designated for a vessel engaged in fishing, which is the "one prolonged and two short blasts" signal. **Explanation for Incorrect Options:** * **A) A rapid ringing of the bell for five seconds at one-minute intervals:** This is the fog signal prescribed for a vessel **at anchor** (Rule 35(g)). While the vessel is anchored, because it is *also* engaged in fishing, the specific rule for fishing vessels (Rule 35(c)) takes precedence over the general rule for anchored vessels. The signal in (g) is typically used only if the vessel is at anchor and is not restricted in its maneuverability by fishing, trawling, or other specific activities. * **B) One prolonged and three short blasts at two-minute intervals:** This signal is designated for a vessel being **towed** (Rule 35(e)). It is not used for a vessel engaged in fishing. * **D) A sounding of the bell and gong at one-minute intervals:** This signal (bell forward, gong aft, each sounded rapidly for about five seconds) is required for a vessel **at anchor greater than 100 meters in length** (Rule 35(g)). As with option A, this is the general anchored signal, and the specific fishing signal (C) must be used instead.