🔍 Key Concepts

• Inland Rule 34 – Maneuvering and Warning Signals • Difference between a departure signal (leaving a dock/berth) and a maneuvering signal (what you’re actually doing with the engines/rudder) • Whistle signals for astern propulsion under Inland Rules when vessels are in sight within 0.5 NM

💭 Think About

• What sound signal is required specifically when a power-driven vessel is using astern propulsion (backing) while another vessel is in sight within half a mile? • You are already told to give one prolonged blast when leaving a berth. Is that signal alone enough to describe your maneuver, or do the Inland Rules also require you to indicate your engine action? • Look at Rule 34 for inland waters: which number of short blasts on the whistle corresponds to operating astern propulsion?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify in Rule 34 that a vessel leaving a dock or berth must sound one prolonged blast. • Then verify in the same rule which signal (how many short blasts) indicates operating astern propulsion. • Confirm that this maneuvering signal is required when vessels are in sight of one another within 0.5 NM under Inland Rules.