PCOC Navigation Lights and Sound Signals 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does one short blast on a vessel's horn mean when vessels are in sight of each other?
- I am altering my course to starboard (Correct answer)
- I am altering my course to port
- I am operating astern propulsion
- I am anchored and not underway
Correct answer: I am altering my course to starboard
One short blast signals that the vessel is altering its course to starboard (turning right).
Question 2: What does two short blasts on a vessel's horn indicate?
- I am altering my course to starboard
- I am altering my course to port (Correct answer)
- I am operating astern propulsion
- I am in a narrow channel
Correct answer: I am altering my course to port
Two short blasts signal that the vessel is altering its course to port (turning left).
Question 3: What does three short blasts on a vessel's horn signal?
- I am altering my course to starboard
- I am altering my course to port
- My engines are operating in reverse (astern propulsion) (Correct answer)
- I require a pilot
Correct answer: My engines are operating in reverse (astern propulsion)
Three short blasts mean the vessel's engines are running in reverse (astern propulsion), warning nearby vessels the craft is slowing or backing up.
Question 4: In restricted visibility, how often must a power-driven vessel making way sound its fog signal?
- Every 30 seconds
- Every 2 minutes (Correct answer)
- Every 5 minutes
- Every 10 minutes
Correct answer: Every 2 minutes
A power-driven vessel making way in restricted visibility must sound one prolonged blast at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.
Question 5: What fog signal must a vessel at anchor sound in restricted visibility?
- One prolonged blast every 2 minutes
- Three short blasts every 2 minutes
- A bell rung rapidly for about 5 seconds at intervals of not more than 1 minute (Correct answer)
- Two prolonged blasts every 2 minutes
Correct answer: A bell rung rapidly for about 5 seconds at intervals of not more than 1 minute
A vessel at anchor must rapidly ring a bell for approximately 5 seconds at intervals of not more than one minute to warn nearby vessels of its stationary position.
Question 6: What does sounding five or more short rapid blasts on a horn signal?
- The vessel requires immediate assistance
- A danger signal indicating doubt about another vessel's intentions (Correct answer)
- The vessel is approaching a blind bend
- The vessel is departing a marina
Correct answer: A danger signal indicating doubt about another vessel's intentions
Five or more short rapid blasts is the danger signal, used when there is serious doubt about another vessel's intentions or when a collision risk exists.
Question 7: When approaching a blind bend in a channel, what sound signal should a vessel make?
- Two short blasts
- One prolonged blast (Correct answer)
- Three short blasts
- Five short blasts
Correct answer: One prolonged blast
One prolonged blast warns any vessels approaching from the other side of a blind bend or obstruction of your presence.
PCOC Navigation Lights and Sound Signals 2
What does one short blast on a vessel's horn mean when vessels are in sight of each other?