Question 891 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is D) Make a large course change, accompanied by the appropriate whistle signal, and slow down if necessary. This is the correct action because the five short blasts from the other vessel indicate that the other vessel does not understand your intentions or actions, and may be in a dangerous situation. In this crossing situation, the appropriate response is to take bold action to avoid a collision, by making a substantial course change accompanied by the appropriate whistle signal, and slowing down if necessary to give the other vessel more room to pass safely. The other options are incorrect because: A) waiting for another signal is not the appropriate action when the other vessel has already indicated confusion, B) slightly reducing speed may not be enough to avoid a collision, and C) simply holding course and speed is not a safe action when the other vessel has signaled distress or confusion.