Rules of the Road · Maneuvering & Warning Signals

You are the give-way vessel and intend to pass a vessel on her starboard side in a narrow channel. Under Rule 34(c), what signal must you sound to propose this maneuver?

Explanation

Rule 34(c)(i) covers overtaking in a narrow channel where the overtaking vessel cannot pass without the other vessel taking action. To pass on the other vessel's starboard side, the overtaking vessel sounds two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast. One prolonged + two short = pass on the port side. Mutual agreement is confirmed by one prolonged, one short, one prolonged, one short from the vessel being overtaken.

Authority: 72 COLREGS Rule 34(c)(i)

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