BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND In a crossing situation, which vessel may sound a signal to indicate failure to understand the intentions or actions of another vessel consisting of at least five short and rapid blasts of the whistle?
• Rule 34 – Maneuvering and Warning Signals in the Navigation Rules • Meaning of five or more short, rapid blasts on the whistle • Whether danger / doubt signals are restricted to a particular vessel (stand-on or give-way)
• In a crossing situation, ask yourself: who can be confused or uncertain about the other vessel’s actions? Only one side, or possibly both? • Is the danger/doubt signal meant to request action, express confusion, or both? How does that affect who is allowed to use it? • Look at the exact wording of Rule 34(d): does it name a specific vessel type, or does it describe what any vessel may do when in doubt?
• Verify in Rule 34(d) whether the rule says “a vessel” or specifically “the stand-on/give-way vessel” • Confirm that five or more short, rapid blasts is defined as a danger or doubt signal, not a maneuvering signal like port/starboard/astern • Make sure you are not confusing which vessel must maintain course and speed (stand-on) with which vessel may indicate doubt or danger using sound signals
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts!