Question 7 UFV02 - Mate - Uninspected Fishing Vessels

The Correct Answer is C **Explanation for Option C (Correct Answer):** Option C states, "You may sound at least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle." This is correct because the scenario describes a situation where a vessel operating in a narrow channel (Rule 9 applies) encounters another vessel crossing its path, and the operator is "in doubt as to his intentions." Under the **International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs)**, **Rule 34(d)** governs maneuvering and warning signals. Rule 34(d) states that when vessels are in sight of one another, and for any reason, either vessel is in doubt as to the intentions or actions of the other, or is concerned whether sufficient action is being taken by the other to avoid collision, the vessel in doubt **shall** indicate such doubt immediately by sounding at least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle (the danger signal). While the primary context is Rule 9 (Narrow Channels), the required action for expressing doubt falls under Rule 34. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** **A) You must sound one prolonged and two short blasts:** This signal (a prolonged blast followed by two short blasts) is the required signal under Rule 35(c) to indicate that a vessel is **not under command** or is **restricted in its ability to maneuver** (RAM), whether underway or at anchor, when operating in restricted visibility. It is not the signal for indicating doubt regarding another vessel's intentions. **B) You should sound one short blast to indicate that you are holding course and speed:** Under COLREGs Rule 34(a)(i), one short blast is used to indicate a maneuver ("I am altering my course to starboard"). While U.S. Inland Rules sometimes permit its use to signal intent when holding course in specific situations, under the **International Rules**, sounding one short blast explicitly means the vessel is turning to starboard. Since the vessel is holding course in a narrow channel and is doubtful of the other vessel's actions, sounding a turning signal would be misleading and incorrect. **D) You are required to back down:** While taking early and substantial action is required under Rule 8, and backing down (reversing engines) might be an appropriate maneuver if collision is imminent (Rule 17), the question asks what signal or action is required **according to Rule 9 (Narrow Channels) when in doubt of the other vessel's intentions.** There is no requirement in Rule 9 or Rule 34 that the immediate response to doubt must be to back down. The immediate, mandatory action for expressing doubt is sounding the danger signal (at least five short blasts).