Question 408 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is C) Hold course and speed. In international waters, the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) apply. According to COLREGS Rule 34(d), when one vessel is overtaking another, the vessel being overtaken should maintain its course and speed. Sounding one short blast by the overtaking vessel ("Vessel II") is a signal indicating its intention to pass. The vessel being overtaken ("Vessel I") should therefore hold its course and speed, as indicated by the correct answer choice C. The other answer choices are incorrect because they do not align with the COLREGS requirements for the overtaking situation. Sounding two short blasts (A) or one short blast (D) would not be the appropriate response, and slowing down or turning (A and B) would go against the requirement for the vessel being overtaken to hold its course and speed.