Question 48 UFV02 - Mate - Uninspected Fishing Vessels

The Correct Answer is C **Explanation for C (Correct Answer):** Option C, "One prolonged and two short blasts at two-minute intervals," is the correct fog signal specified by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), Rule 35(c). This rule applies to both International and Inland waters (as the Inland Rules generally mirror the International Rules for power-driven vessels and vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver, which a fishing vessel at anchor is often considered for signaling purposes, or is specifically covered by the exception for a vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver). Rule 35(c) states that a vessel **not under command, a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver, a vessel constrained by her draft, a sailing vessel, a vessel engaged in fishing, and a vessel engaged in towing or pushing** shall sound, at intervals of not more than two minutes, one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts. Although a vessel engaged in fishing while *at anchor* could potentially use the signal for a vessel at anchor (Rule 35(g): rapid ringing of the bell for 5 seconds at intervals of not more than one minute), it is specifically exempted from that requirement by Rule 35(i) when engaged in fishing, towing, pushing, or restricted in ability to maneuver while at anchor. Therefore, the vessel engaged in fishing reverts to its operational fog signal, which is one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts (Rule 35(c)). **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** **A) A rapid ringing of the bell for five seconds at one-minute intervals:** This is the standard signal for a vessel **at anchor** of less than 100 meters in length (Rule 35(g)). However, Rule 35(i) specifically exempts vessels engaged in fishing (and certain others) while at anchor from using the anchor signal, requiring them instead to use the signal specified in Rule 35(c). **B) One prolonged and three short blasts at two-minute intervals:** This signal (one prolonged and three short blasts) is the required signal for a **vessel being towed** or, in Inland waters, for the last vessel in a tow if manned (Rule 35(e)). It is not the signal for a vessel engaged in fishing. **D) A sounding of the bell and gong at one-minute intervals:** This is the required signal for a vessel **at anchor** of 100 meters or more in length. It requires the rapid ringing of the bell in the forepart, and immediately after the ringing of the bell, the rapid sounding of the gong in the after part, each for about 5 seconds (Rule 35(g)). As explained above, a fishing vessel at anchor uses the Rule 35(c) signal instead.