Question 38

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation for Option A (Correct Answer):** The situation described involves two power-driven vessels meeting, which falls under Rule 34 (Maneuvering and Warning Signals) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). Under **International COLREGs Rule 34(a)**, when power-driven vessels are in sight of one another: * **One short blast** means: "I am altering my course to starboard." * **Two short blasts** means: "**I am altering my course to port.**" * **Three short blasts** means: "I am operating astern propulsion." Therefore, a two-blast (two short blasts) signal indicates that the vessel is currently altering its course to port. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **B) "I desire to pass starboard to starboard"**: While altering course to port generally facilitates a starboard-to-starboard passing, the signal itself strictly means "I am altering course to port." Furthermore, the desire or intention to pass is generally conveyed via the appropriate passing rule (Rule 14 - Head-on situation), and the maneuvering signal confirms the action being taken. The phrase "I desire to pass" implies an initiative for communication, whereas Rule 34(a) signals the actual action taken. * **C) "I desire to pass port-to-port"**: A port-to-port passing is achieved when the vessel alters course to starboard, which is signaled by one short blast. Altering course to port (two blasts) moves the vessel toward a potential starboard-to-starboard passing. * **D) "I intend to alter course to port"**: Under International COLREGs Rule 34(a), the signals indicate the *action being taken* ("I am altering my course"), not merely an *intent* or desire for a future action. The term "intend" is used in the Inland Rules system, but International COLREGs use the phrasing implying immediate action ("I am altering...").