Rules of the Road · Maneuvering Signals (Intent vs Action)
Under 72 COLREGS, if a give-way vessel in a crossing situation sounds two short blasts before altering course to port, this is:
- ACorrect — COLREGS requires the signal before the maneuver as a proposal
- BCorrect — it signals intent to pass to starboard
- CAn action signal announcing the course change to port that is already occurring✓ Correct
- DIncorrect — COLREGS forbids sound signals in crossing situations
Explanation
Under 72 COLREGS, two short blasts are an action signal — they announce that the vessel IS altering course to port (not that she intends to). No agreement from the other vessel is required or expected under COLREGS, unlike the Inland intent-based system.
Authority: 72 COLREGS Rule 34(a)
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