Question 521 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is B) Sound the danger signal. According to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), if the stand-on vessel (you) determines that the give-way vessel is not taking sufficient action to avoid collision, you should immediately sound the danger signal (five or more short, rapid blasts on the whistle). This alerts the other vessel that a collision is imminent and that immediate action is required. The other options are incorrect because: A) Maneuvering at will is not permitted when you are the stand-on vessel; C) Sounding two short blasts and altering course to port is the wrong signaling and action for a crossing situation; D) Sounding one short blast and maintaining course does not adequately communicate the risk of collision to the give-way vessel.