Coast Guard Exams
Question 901Rules of the Road90% to pass

BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND While underway and in sight of another vessel, less than one half mile away, you put your engines on astern propulsion. Which statement concerning whistle signals is TRUE?

AI Explanation
The correct answer is B) You must sound three short blasts on the whistle. This is correct because the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) Rule 34(c) states that "when a vessel is running astern, she shall sound, on the whistle, three short blasts." This applies to both international and inland waters when the vessels are in sight of each other and less than 0.5 mile apart. The other options are incorrect because: A) is wrong as you do not need to specify the direction you are backing; C) is wrong as you do need to sound the whistle signals; and D) is wrong as the whistle signals are required regardless of whether the vessels are meeting.

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