Question 45

The Correct Answer is B **Why Option B ("One prolonged blast") is correct:** Rule 34(e) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and the equivalent Inland Rule (Inland Rule 34(h)) explicitly state the requirements for signaling when nearing a bend or an area where vessels may be obscured. A vessel must sound **one prolonged blast** (a blast lasting 4 to 6 seconds) when nearing an area of a channel or fairway where the vessel operator's view is obstructed due to banks or other structures. This signal alerts any vessel approaching from the opposite side of the bend. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) One short blast:** This signal is used under COLREGs/Inland Rules to mean "I intend to leave you on my port side" during maneuvering in sight of another vessel. It is not the required signal for approaching a blind bend. * **C) Two short blasts:** This signal is used under COLREGs/Inland Rules to mean "I intend to leave you on my starboard side" during maneuvering in sight of another vessel. It is not the required signal for approaching a blind bend. * **D) One long blast:** While "prolonged" can sometimes be informally referred to as "long," the official terminology and duration (4 to 6 seconds) are defined as "prolonged" in the rules. Furthermore, one prolonged blast is specifically the signal used for *warning* (such as nearing a bend) or for signaling position in restricted visibility (Rule 35). This option is technically inaccurate or redundant, as the established term for the required signal is "prolonged."