Question 19 TV03 - Towing Vessels - Western Rivers

The Correct Answer is C 1. **Why option C ("four to six seconds") is correct:** Rule 32(b) of the COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) defines the term "prolonged blast" as a blast of from four to six seconds duration. This definition applies universally to all required whistle signals that specify a prolonged blast (such as those used by power-driven vessels in fog under Rule 35, both International and Inland). 2. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) about one second:** This duration defines a "short blast" (Rule 32(a)), not a prolonged blast. * **B) two to four seconds:** This range is too short for a standard prolonged blast defined by COLREGs. * **D) eight to ten seconds:** This range is too long. While a power-driven vessel may sometimes use a five-second blast, eight to ten seconds exceeds the maximum defined duration of six seconds for a prolonged blast under the rules.