Question 43

The Correct Answer is B. **Explanation for Option B (Correct Answer):** This question specifically refers to the **Inland Rules** of the Road (33 CFR Subchapter E). Under the Inland Rules, a whistle signal of **two short blasts** indicates a specific maneuvering intention when vessels are meeting, crossing, or overtaking. According to **Rule 34(a)(i)** of the Inland Rules regarding Operating Signals: * **Two short blasts** mean: "I intend to leave you on my starboard side." This signal communicates the intention of the signaling vessel to alter its course to port (left) in order to pass the other vessel, resulting in the other vessel being positioned on the signaling vessel's starboard (right) side. **Explanation for Other Options (Incorrect):** * **A) "I am altering my course to port."** * While giving two short blasts *often* results in an alteration of course to port, the official definition of the signal is the intention regarding how the vessels will pass relative to each other (Rule 34(a)(i)). Option B provides the precise, legally defined meaning of the signal under the Inland Rules. * **C) "I intend to leave you on my port side."** * This is the definition of **one short blast** under the Inland Rules (Rule 34(a)(i)). One short blast means "I intend to leave you on my port side" (by altering course to starboard). * **D) "I am altering my course to starboard."** * The intent to alter course to starboard is communicated by **one short blast**, which corresponds to the intention defined in Option C. Two short blasts imply a maneuver that places the other vessel on the signaling vessel's starboard side, usually requiring a course alteration to port.