Question 376 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is C) not overtake the other vessel until both vessels exchange the same passing signal. According to the Navigation Rules, when one power-driven vessel is overtaking another, the overtaking vessel must sound one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts to indicate its intention to pass the other vessel on its starboard side. If the other vessel responds with five short and rapid blasts, it is indicating that it does not understand or disagree with the overtaking vessel's intention to pass. In this case, the overtaking vessel should not proceed with the overtaking maneuver until both vessels have exchanged the same passing signal, which is one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts. The other options are incorrect because they do not follow the proper navigational protocol for this situation.