Question 890 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is A) Vessel "A" is backing engines. The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) state that a vessel backing engines is required to sound three short blasts on the whistle. This signal indicates that the vessel is going astern, which can help inform the other vessel of its maneuvering intentions. The other options are incorrect because B) holding course and speed would not require a whistle signal, C) the danger signal is five or more short blasts, and D) crossing ahead of the other vessel would typically be signaled with one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts.