Question 646 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is A) Sound at least five short and rapid blasts. According to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), when a power-driven vessel doubts the actions of another vessel, it should sound at least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle. This indicates uncertainty about the other vessel's actions and prompts the other vessel to take appropriate action to avoid a collision. The other options are incorrect because: B) Maintaining course and speed is not the appropriate action when doubt exists about the other vessel's intentions; C) Altering course or slowing down without clearly signaling the doubt could lead to confusion; and D) Sounding only one short blast may not effectively communicate the need for the other vessel to take action.