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)) and the Inland Navigational Rules (Rule 34(h)), a power-driven vessel operating in a narrow channel or fairway must sound **one prolonged blast** when approaching a bend or an area of a channel or fairway where other vessels may be obscured by an obstruction. This signal acts as a warning to any vessel approaching from the opposite direction. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) One short blast:** This signal indicates "I am altering my course to starboard (right)" when meeting or crossing other vessels in sight. It is a maneuver signal, not an obstruction/bend warning signal. * **C) Two short blasts:** This signal indicates "I am altering my course to port (left)" when meeting or crossing other vessels in sight. It is also a maneuver signal, not the required blind spot warning. * **D) One long blast:** While the term "prolonged blast" (which is 4 to 6 seconds long) is sometimes loosely referred to as a "long blast," the precise and official term used in the Rules for this specific warning situation is "one prolonged blast." "One long blast" (or 10 seconds or more) is not a defined signal in COLREGs for this purpose; therefore, "prolonged blast" is the accurate and required terminology.