Question 37

The Correct Answer is C ### Explanation of Correct Option (C) **C) The vessel is altering course to port** Under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), Rule 34(a)(i) specifies maneuvering and warning signals. * One short blast means, "I am altering my course to starboard." * **Two short blasts mean, "I am altering my course to port."** These signals are known as "action signals" and are sounded when the maneuver is actually being carried out. Therefore, two short blasts indicate the vessel is currently altering its course to port. *** ### Explanation of Incorrect Options **A) The vessel will alter course to port** This option uses imprecise language. While the action is certainly imminent, International Rules define the signal as describing the action *currently being taken*. Additionally, if the vessel were altering to **starboard**, it would be one short blast. **B) The vessel intends to pass starboard to starboard** While altering course to port usually facilitates a starboard-to-starboard passing when meeting another vessel, the signal itself specifically defines the *action* (the alteration of course to port), not the desired passing arrangement. **D) The vessel intends to alter course to port** In International Rules, the action signals (one, two, or three short blasts) are signals given *when the action is being taken* ("I am altering..."), not merely signals of intent. While the action must be intended, the rule emphasizes the execution of the maneuver, making "is altering" (C) the most accurate description. (Note: The distinction between "intends" and "is altering" is a key component of COLREGS testing.)