Question 303 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is D) Hold your relative position, and then sound another signal after the situation has stabilized. This is the correct answer because the five short and rapid blasts from vessel "B" is a danger signal, indicating that vessel "B" is in distress or has lost control. In this situation, the proper action is to hold your position and avoid making any maneuvers that could further endanger the other vessel. Once the situation has stabilized, you can then sound another signal to indicate your intent to overtake. The other answer choices are incorrect because passing with caution (A) or stopping your vessel (B, C) could potentially put you or the other vessel at risk given the signaled distress. The regulations call for maintaining your position and re-signaling once the situation is more stable.