Question 29

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation for B (Exchange one short blast) being correct:** Under the Inland Rules (applicable because the question specifies "INLAND ONLY"), when two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on and there is a risk of collision, the General Prerule regarding action states that neither vessel has the right-of-way. Rule 14 (Head-on Situation) specifies that each vessel shall alter its course to starboard so that each shall pass on the port side of the other. The required signal to accompany this action is prescribed by Rule 34(a)(i): a vessel must indicate its intention to alter course to starboard by sounding **one short blast**. Since this is a meeting situation, and the vessels are required to take symmetrical action, they must **exchange one short blast** to confirm that both understand the maneuver and agree to pass port-to-port. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) Sound one prolonged and two short blasts:** This signal is used under the Inland Rules to indicate a vessel is leaving a dock or berth (Rule 34(g)) or to signal an approaching blind bend (Rule 34(e)), not for a head-on meeting situation. * **C) Sound at least five short and rapid blasts:** This is the Danger Signal (Rule 34(d)). It is used when a vessel doubts the other vessel's intentions or actions, or if the proposed maneuver is unsafe. While a situation might degrade to the point where the Danger Signal is necessary, the *initial* action required by the rules for a head-on meeting is the exchange of one short blast (B). * **D) Exchange two short blasts:** Two short blasts (Inland Rules, Rule 34(a)(ii)) signals an intention to alter course to port (to pass starboard-to-starboard). This maneuver is only permitted if safe and required by the rules, but in a standard head-on meeting situation governed by Inland Rule 14, the required action is to alter course to starboard (port-to-port passing), signaled by one short blast.