Rules of the Road · Maneuvering Signals (Intent vs Action)
A vessel on inland waters is about to alter course to starboard to avoid a vessel crossing on her starboard bow. She is in sight of the crossing vessel. Which signal does she sound?
- ATwo short blasts (Inland — intent to leave on starboard side)
- BOne short blast (Inland — intent to leave on port side)✓ Correct
- CNo signal — action signals are only for head-on meetings
- DThree short blasts (engines going astern)
Explanation
Under Inland Rule 34(a), one short blast means 'I intend to leave you on my port side.' Altering course to starboard moves the other vessel to the port side of the maneuvering vessel — so one short blast is the correct signal. This is a signal of intent requiring the other vessel's agreement.
Authority: Inland Rule 34(a)
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