Question 38

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation for Option A (Correct):** The meaning of whistle signals for power-driven vessels meeting or crossing is governed by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically Rule 34. A **two-short-blast** signal means: "I am altering my course to port." This signal is an execution signal, indicating the vessel is actively taking action. **Explanation for Other Options (Incorrect):** * **B) "I desire to pass starboard to starboard":** This phrasing ("I desire to pass") implies a proposal or intent, which is covered by the 'International' version of the rules (COLREGs). However, under COLREGs, the signals relate to direction of turn, not the side of passing. If a vessel wanted to turn to port (which would facilitate a starboard-to-starboard passing if meeting head-on), they would use two short blasts, but the precise meaning of the signal itself is the action of altering course to port. * **C) "I desire to pass port-to-port":** This is also incorrect. The signal for intending to alter course to starboard (which would facilitate a port-to-port passing if meeting head-on) is **one short blast** ("I am altering my course to starboard"), not two. * **D) "I intend to alter course to port":** While this is close, under the COLREGs (International Rules), the short blast signals (one, two, or three blasts) indicate the **action being taken** ("I am altering..."), not merely the intention ("I intend..."). The use of "I am" signifies the execution of the maneuver.