Question 34 TV03 - Towing Vessels - Western Rivers

The Correct Answer is C **Explanation for C (Sound a whistle blast of 4 to 6 seconds duration):** This situation (approaching a bend in a channel where visibility is obscured) is specifically addressed by Rule 34(e) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), which is applicable to both International and Inland waters (often mirrored in local inland rules). Rule 34(e) states: "A vessel nearing a bend or an area of a channel or waterway where other vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction shall sound **one prolonged blast**." A "prolonged blast" is defined in Rule 32 as a blast of from **4 to 6 seconds** duration. Therefore, sounding a whistle blast of 4 to 6 seconds duration is the specific action required by the Rules in this scenario. **Why the other options are incorrect:** A) **Stay in the middle of the channel:** While vessels generally try to maintain a predictable position, staying strictly in the middle is often incorrect, especially in narrow channels. Rule 9 (Narrow Channels) requires a vessel to keep as far to the starboard side of the channel as is safe and practicable. Furthermore, simply maintaining position does not fulfill the requirement to give an audible warning to obscured traffic. B) **Stop engines and navigate with caution:** Although navigating with caution (Rule 5 – Lookout, and Rule 6 – Safe Speed) is always required, stopping the engines is not the mandatory requirement when approaching a blind bend. The primary mandatory action specified by the Rules in this exact situation is the sounding of the prolonged blast. D) **Sound passing signals to any other vessel that may be on the other side of the bend:** Passing signals (e.g., one short blast meaning "I intend to leave you on my port side") are used when vessels are in sight of one another and deciding on a maneuver (Rule 34(a)). In this scenario, the vessels are **not** in sight. Therefore, the required signal is the warning (prolonged blast) to indicate presence, not an operational passing intent.