Question 45

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation for Option B (One prolonged blast) being correct:** According to both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs Rule 34(e)) and the Inland Navigational Rules (33 CFR §83.34(e)), a vessel nearing a bend or an area of a channel or fairway where other vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction is required to sound one prolonged blast. This signal serves as a warning to any vessel that may be approaching from the opposite direction around the bend, allowing them time to react or acknowledge the presence of the obscured vessel. **Explanation for why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) One short blast:** This signal is used to indicate a maneuver, specifically: "I intend to leave you on my port side" (Inland/International) or "I am altering my course to starboard" (International). It is not the required warning signal for approaching a blind bend. * **C) Two short blasts:** This signal indicates a different maneuver, specifically: "I intend to leave you on my starboard side" (Inland/International) or "I am altering my course to port" (International). It is not the warning signal for blind bends. * **D) One long blast:** While "long" and "prolonged" are sometimes used interchangeably in informal speech, in the context of the Rules, the official term for the bend warning signal is **"one prolonged blast,"** which is defined as a blast of about four to six seconds duration. The term "long blast" is not a defined or standard signal for this specific situation in the Rules.