Question 400 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is B) If you are in doubt as to the fishing vessel's intentions you may sound at least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle. This is correct because according to Rule 9 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), a vessel "constrained by her draft" in a narrow channel must not impede the passage of a vessel engaged in fishing. If the operator of the freight vessel is unsure of the fishing vessel's intentions, they are permitted to sound at least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle to alert the fishing vessel. The other options are incorrect - A) is incorrect because the freight vessel should not slow to bare steerageway, C) is incorrect because a single prolonged blast is not the appropriate signal, and D) is incorrect because the freight vessel must not impede the fishing vessel per Rule 9.