Rules of the Road · Maneuvering Signals (Intent vs Action)
Two vessels on inland waters are meeting head-on. Vessel A sounds one short blast. Vessel B sounds two short blasts in reply. What must happen next?
- AVessel A must accept the two-blast counter-proposal and alter to port
- BBoth vessels must sound the danger signal and stop their vessels until a safe passing agreement is reached✓ Correct
- CVessel B's two-blast answer is an acceptance of the one-blast proposal
- DVessel A should immediately reverse engines to create sea room
Explanation
Under Inland Rule 34(a), a valid agreement requires each vessel to sound the SAME signal. Vessel A proposed one blast (leave you to port / pass starboard to starboard); Vessel B replied with two blasts (a different signal, not an agreement). This is not a valid agreement — the danger signal rules apply and both vessels must take appropriate action until they agree.
Authority: Inland Rule 34(a); Inland Rule 34(d)
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