While underway in a harbor you hear a vessel sound a prolonged blast. This signal indicates that this vessel ________.

While underway in a harbor you hear a vessel sound a prolonged blast. This signal indicates that this vessel ________.

• A. Is turning to port
• B. Is moving from a dock
• C. Is stopping
• D. Is speeding up

Answer: (B)

In harbor movements, audible signals communicate a vessel’s immediate maneuver to nearby traffic. A single prolonged blast, heard from a vessel that is underway and near a berth, is the standard signal that the vessel is getting underway and leaving the dock. It serves as a clear warning that the vessel will be moving away from the pier, so other vessels should expect it to enter the channel and adjust course or speed accordingly to maintain safe clearance. This pattern is not used to indicate turning to port or starboard, stopping, or increasing speed, which are conveyed by different signal patterns or situations.

In harbor movements, audible signals communicate a vessel’s immediate maneuver to nearby traffic. A single prolonged blast, heard from a vessel that is underway and near a berth, is the standard signal that the vessel is getting underway and leaving the dock. It serves as a clear warning that the vessel will be moving away from the pier, so other vessels should expect it to enter the channel and adjust course or speed accordingly to maintain safe clearance. This pattern is not used to indicate turning to port or starboard, stopping, or increasing speed, which are conveyed by different signal patterns or situations.