Question 48

The Correct Answer is C **Explanation for Option C (Correct Answer):** Option C, "One prolonged and two short blasts at two-minute intervals," is the correct fog signal specified by the **International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs)**, Rule 35(c), for a **vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver, a vessel constrained by its draught, a vessel engaged in fishing (including while at anchor as specified in the question context), or a vessel engaged in towing/pushing, when making way or at anchor (if a power-driven vessel).** Specifically addressing the vessel "engaged in fishing" (even when at anchor, which restricts its movement and makes it an "at anchor" scenario while also being "engaged in fishing" for signaling purposes): COLREGs Rule 35(c) states that a vessel **not under command, a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver, a vessel constrained by her draught, a sailing vessel, a vessel engaged in fishing, and a vessel engaged in towing or pushing** shall sound, at intervals of not more than 2 minutes, **one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts.** This signal clearly identifies the type of vessel to approaching traffic. **Explanation of Why Other Options Are Incorrect:** * **A) A rapid ringing of the bell for five seconds at one-minute intervals:** This signal (bell only) is prescribed by COLREGs Rule 35(f) for a vessel **at anchor** (of length 100 meters or more), but only in combination with the required sounding of a gong in the after part of the vessel. For a vessel **engaged in fishing**, the specific Rule 35(c) signal (one prolonged and two short blasts) takes precedence over the general "at anchor" signal, as the vessel's primary status is "engaged in fishing." * **B) One prolonged and three short blasts at two-minute intervals:** This signal is not a standard fog signal defined in Rule 35 for any vessel category. (Note: One prolonged blast followed by *four* short blasts is used by a pilot vessel when engaged on pilotage duty, Rule 35(i)). * **D) A sounding of the bell and gong at one-minute intervals:** This signal (bell and gong) is required by COLREGs Rule 35(f) for a vessel **at anchor** that is **100 meters or more in length**. It is the signal for a generally anchored vessel, not the specific signal required for a vessel "engaged in fishing."