Question 134 Rules of the Road

90% to pass

BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are approaching another vessel. She is about one mile distant and is on your starboard bow. You believe she will cross ahead of you. She then sounds a whistle signal of five short blasts. What action should you take?

A reduce speed slightly to make sure she will have room to pass
B answer the signal and hold course and speed
C make a large course change, and slow down if necessary
D wait for another whistle signal from the other vessel
AI Explanation

The correct answer is C) Make a large course change, and slow down if necessary. The reasoning behind this is that the other vessel's signal of five short blasts indicates that she is in distress or has a malfunction and is not under command. In this situation, the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) require you to take early and substantial action to avoid a collision, such as making a large course change and slowing down if necessary. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not address the urgent situation presented by the other vessel's distress signal.

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Official Resources
USCG Navigation Rules (COLREGS) 33 CFR Navigation Rules USCG Navigation Center
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