Question 374 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is A) A prolonged blast. According to the United States Coast Guard regulations, a power-driven vessel leaving a dock or berth in inland waters must sound a prolonged blast (4-6 seconds) on the vessel's whistle or horn to indicate its intention to depart. This signal alerts other vessels in the area that the vessel is about to get underway. The other options are incorrect because: B) A long blast is not the required signal, C) No signal is not required, and D) Three short blasts is the incorrect signal for a vessel departing a dock or berth.