Question 35 UFV02 - Mate - Uninspected Fishing Vessels

The Correct Answer is A **Why Option A ("one prolonged blast") is correct:** The Inland Navigational Rules (specifically Rule 34(d)) govern whistle signals in U.S. inland waters. This rule states that when a power-driven vessel is leaving a dock or berth, it is required to sound **one prolonged blast** (a prolonged blast is defined as a blast of four to six seconds duration). This signal is meant to warn vessels approaching the area from which the leaving vessel may be obscured. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **B) four short blasts:** A sequence of four short blasts is used as a danger or disagreement signal (Rule 34(e)) or sometimes as a distress signal (although the recognized distress signal is continuous sounding or five rapid short blasts). It is not the required signal for leaving a dock or berth. * **C) one long blast:** While "long blast" is often used interchangeably with "prolonged blast" in common parlance, maritime rules specifically use the term "prolonged blast" and define its duration (4-6 seconds). Using "long blast" without specifying the duration is less precise than "prolonged blast." Furthermore, "one long blast" is often associated with the signal required for vessels approaching a bend or obstruction that obscures other vessels (Inland Rule 34(e)), though the official term remains "prolonged blast." In the context of a multiple-choice question where "prolonged blast" is a distinct option, "one long blast" is typically considered incorrect or an inferior choice for accuracy. * **D) no signal is required:** This is incorrect. Inland Rule 34(d) mandates that a signal be sounded when a power-driven vessel is leaving a dock or berth to provide warning to other traffic.