United States Coast Guard Captains License Practice Exam

What signal should a vessel sound when overtaking another vessel on the port side?

1. One short blast

2. Two short blasts

3. Two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts

4. Two short blasts followed by one short blast

The correct answer is: Two short blasts followed by one short blast

When a vessel is overtaking another vessel on the port side, the appropriate sound signal is two short blasts followed by one short blast. This signal indicates that the overtaking vessel is intending to pass on the port side of the other vessel. The use of sound signals is governed by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), which provide a standardized way for vessels to communicate their intentions to one another. Specifically, two short blasts communicates that the vessel intends to overtake on the port side, while the additional short blast signals its intentions clearly to the other vessel. This approach promotes safety and helps prevent collisions by ensuring that all parties are aware of each vessel’s maneuvers. Therefore, understanding and using these sound signals is crucial for maintaining navigational safety, particularly in situations where visibility may be limited or where electronic communication may not be possible.