Question 38

The Correct Answer is A. A two-blast whistle signal, according to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), Rule 34(a)(ii), signifies "I am altering my course to port." This signal is used by a vessel that is taking action in sight of another vessel. **Why other options are incorrect:** * **B) "I desire to pass starboard to starboard"**: The signal for expressing a desire or intention to pass starboard-to-starboard (in meeting situations where COLREGs Rule 14 applies) is typically **one short blast** ("I intend to leave you on my port side"), not two. (Note: In International Rules, the one-blast signal signifies action taken, not a desire, but it results in a starboard-to-starboard passing). * **C) "I desire to pass port-to-port"**: The signal for expressing a desire or intention to pass port-to-port (in meeting situations) is typically **one short blast** ("I intend to leave you on my starboard side" - although again, in International Rules this signals action taken). Two blasts specifically mean altering course to port. * **D) "I intend to alter course to port"**: While this option is semantically close to the correct answer, COLREGs Rule 34(a)(ii) explicitly uses the present tense: "I am altering my course to port." In COLREGs (International Rules), the short blast signals describe the *action* being taken by the signaling vessel, not just a future intention or desire (unlike the Inland Rules, which use "I intend to"). Therefore, option A uses the precise regulatory phrasing.