Question 45

The Correct Answer is B **Why option B ("One prolonged blast") is correct:** According to both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) Rule 34(e) (Maneuvering and Warning Signals) and the U.S. Inland Rules equivalent, a vessel nearing a bend or an area of a channel or fairway where other vessels may be obscured by intervening obstruction is required to sound **one prolonged blast**. This signal serves as a warning to any vessel approaching from the other side of the bend. Upon hearing this signal, an approaching vessel must also respond with one prolonged blast. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) One short blast:** This signal indicates "I am altering my course to starboard." It is a maneuvering signal used when vessels are in sight of one another, not a blind warning signal for an obscured bend. * **C) Two short blasts:** This signal indicates "I am altering my course to port." Like one short blast, it is a maneuvering signal used when vessels are in sight, not an appropriate signal for approaching an obscured bend. * **D) One long blast:** While the duration of a "prolonged blast" is defined as 4 to 6 seconds, and a "long blast" is not a formally defined term in COLREGs/Inland Rules, if interpreted as a signal, it would most likely be confused with the requirement for a prolonged blast (B), or potentially with the requirement for a vessel under way in restricted visibility (which is also one prolonged blast at intervals not exceeding two minutes). However, the precise and correct terminology for a blind warning signal at a bend is **one prolonged blast**.