Question 964 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is B) Begin sounding one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts at two minute intervals. This is the correct answer because the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) Rule 35(d) states that a vessel underway but not making way through the water shall sound "one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts" at intervals of not more than two minutes when it loses the ability to maneuver. The other options are incorrect because: A) Sounding one prolonged blast followed by three short blasts is the signal for a vessel aground, not a vessel underway but not making way. C) No change to the fog signal would be incorrect, as the COLREGS require a specific signal when a vessel loses the ability to maneuver. D) Sounding two prolonged blasts is the signal for a vessel towing another vessel, not a vessel underway but not making way.