Question 37

The Correct Answer is C **Explanation of Option C (Correct Answer):** In the **International** Rules of the Road (COLREGs), Rule 34(a)(i) specifies maneuvering and warning signals. * **One short blast** (approximately one second duration) signifies: "I am altering my course to starboard." * **Two short blasts** (approximately one second duration each) signify: **"I am altering my course to port."** * **Three short blasts** signify: "I am operating astern propulsion." Therefore, two short blasts indicates that the vessel is currently in the act of altering its course to port. *** **Why Other Options Are Incorrect:** * **A) The vessel will alter course to port:** While the vessel is indeed turning to port, the signal "two short blasts" is a statement of action *being taken now*, not a declaration of future intent (like a preparatory or request signal). In the International Rules, the phrase is "I am altering my course..." * **B) The vessel intends to pass starboard to starboard:** While this passing situation would typically involve an alteration of course to port for the give-way vessel, the signal "two short blasts" specifically refers to the vessel's physical maneuver (turning to port), not the specific outcome or intent regarding the passing arrangement. * **D) The vessel intends to alter course to port:** This option uses the word "intends." As noted in the explanation for C, the International signal is a declaration of action being performed ("I am altering..."), not merely an intent to act in the future. *(Note: The crucial distinction between "is altering" and "intends to alter" is specifically why C is preferred over D under the strict interpretation of International Rule 34.)*