Question 913 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is B) "I am operating astern propulsion". This signal is covered under Rule 34 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), which outlines the maneuvering and warning signals that vessels must use. Specifically, Rule 34(c) states that a vessel "is operating astern propulsion" shall indicate this by "three short blasts on the whistle". The maneuvering light signal of three flashes is the visual equivalent of this sound signal, used to communicate the same information. The other options are incorrect because they do not match the meaning of the three-flash signal as defined in the COLREGS. Option A refers to an astern engine movement, while option C is about overtaking, and option D is about uncertainty - none of which are the correct interpretation of the three-flash maneuvering light signal.