Question 6

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation for Option A (Correct):** This scenario is governed by Rule 34(e) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), which specifically addresses signaling intentions in a narrow channel when overtaking and the vessel to be overtaken must take action. * **Signal Meaning:** The signal "two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts" (— — • •) means: **"I intend to overtake you on your port side, and you must take steps to permit safe passing."** Since the question states that the vessel being overtaken *has* to take action to permit safe passing, this specific four-blast signal is the required maneuver signal for communicating the intention to overtake on the port side internationally (outside of special agreements or local rules). **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** * **B) Sound two prolonged blasts on the whistle:** Two prolonged blasts (— —) is a signal used by power-driven vessels when approaching a bend or an area where other vessels may be obscured (Rule 34(e), second part, is the specific overtaking signal which requires the two prolonged followed by two short blasts). This signal does not communicate the specific intention to overtake on the port side requiring action from the other vessel. * **C) No signal is necessary:** A signal is absolutely necessary in international waters (COLREGs Rule 34) when maneuvering to overtake in a narrow channel, especially if the vessel being overtaken is required to take action to facilitate the pass. Relying on visual observation alone is insufficient and unsafe. * **D) Sound two short blasts:** Two short blasts (••) means: **"I intend to alter my course to port."** While this indicates a change in direction that might facilitate overtaking, it is the general course alteration signal (Rule 34(a)(ii)), not the specific, mandatory signal required under Rule 34(c) and (e) for communicating the intention to overtake on the port side in a narrow channel when the other vessel must cooperate.