🔍 Key Concepts

• International Rules – Rule 34 (Maneuvering and Warning Signals) • Difference between saying what you intend to do versus what you are actually doing • How sound signals describe course alterations, not passing arrangements, in the International Rules

💭 Think About

• Focus on what two short blasts mean under the International Rules when vessels are in sight of one another and a power-driven vessel is maneuvering • Ask yourself: does Rule 34’s wording describe a future plan, a present action, or a passing arrangement? • Consider whether sound signals in International waters directly state a starboard‑to‑starboard passing, or if they only state which way you are altering course

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify the exact wording of Rule 34(a) for two short blasts in the International Rules • Check whether International sound signals talk about passing side (port-to-port / starboard-to-starboard) or only about course alterations (to port or starboard) • Confirm if the rule uses language like “I am altering my course…” versus “I intend to alter” or “I will alter”