Question 36 UFV01 - Master - Uninspected Fishing Vessels

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation for why option A ("one short blast") is correct:** The scenario described occurs in U.S. Inland Waters, as indicated by the prompt ("INLAND ONLY"). Rule 34(a)(i) of the Inland Rules governs maneuvering signals for power-driven vessels when meeting or crossing. However, for an overtaking situation, Rule 34(c) dictates the signals. The overtaking vessel has initiated the maneuver by sounding one short blast (indicating "I intend to pass you on your starboard side"). Rule 34(c)(ii) specifies the required response from the vessel being overtaken (the vessel ahead): * If the vessel ahead agrees to the maneuver, they must sound a signal of agreement consisting of: **one short blast** (for agreeing to be passed to starboard) or two short blasts (for agreeing to be passed to port). Since the overtaking vessel requested to pass to starboard (one short blast), the required signal of agreement from the vessel ahead is **one short blast**. *** **Explanation for why each of the other options is incorrect:** * **B) one prolonged, one short, one prolonged, and one short blast in that order:** This signal (often abbreviated as "Prolonged-Short-Prolonged-Short" or PSPS) is the mandatory general danger/unilateral communication signal used in the **International Rules (COLREGs) Rule 34(e)** to indicate disagreement or doubt about an impending maneuver. It is **not** the signal of agreement in either Inland or International Rules. In Inland waters, the signal for disagreement is mandated by Rule 34(d) as **five or more short and rapid blasts**. * **C) two prolonged blasts:** Two prolonged blasts (or a prolonged followed by a short blast, depending on the context) are generally used for restricted visibility situations (Rule 35) or when leaving a dock/berth (Rule 34(g)). It is **not** the signal for agreeing to an overtaking maneuver. * **D) two prolonged followed by two short blasts:** This sequence is the general distress signal (Rule 37, Annex IV) and has no application in routine maneuvering signaling.