INLAND ONLY. You are operating through a narrow channel and another vessel is crossing your course from starboard to port, and you are in doubt as to her intentions. You must

INLAND ONLY. You are operating through a narrow channel and another vessel is crossing your course from starboard to port, and you are in doubt as to her intentions. You must

• A. Sound the danger signal
• B. Alter course to starboard immediately
• C. Increase speed to pass
• D. Sound two short blasts and proceed

Answer: (A)

In inland navigation, when two power-driven vessels are crossing and you’re unsure of the other vessel’s intentions, you should first issue a warning signal to communicate your concern and prompt a response. The danger signal—five or more short blasts—lets the other vessel know there is a risk of collision and that you may need to take action to avoid it. In a narrow channel, this early warning is crucial because there’s limited room to maneuver and clear communication helps prevent a misunderstanding from leading to a collision. You’re typically the stand-on vessel in this crossing since the other vessel is approaching from your starboard side, so you should maintain your course and speed unless the situation requires you to take action after observing the other vessel’s response. Altering course to starboard immediately would disrupt your stand-on position and could complicate passage in a confined space; increasing speed can reduce your reaction time and raise risk; a signal of two short blasts does not provide the same clear warning. Therefore, sounding the danger signal is the appropriate first step.

In inland navigation, when two power-driven vessels are crossing and you’re unsure of the other vessel’s intentions, you should first issue a warning signal to communicate your concern and prompt a response. The danger signal—five or more short blasts—lets the other vessel know there is a risk of collision and that you may need to take action to avoid it. In a narrow channel, this early warning is crucial because there’s limited room to maneuver and clear communication helps prevent a misunderstanding from leading to a collision. You’re typically the stand-on vessel in this crossing since the other vessel is approaching from your starboard side, so you should maintain your course and speed unless the situation requires you to take action after observing the other vessel’s response. Altering course to starboard immediately would disrupt your stand-on position and could complicate passage in a confined space; increasing speed can reduce your reaction time and raise risk; a signal of two short blasts does not provide the same clear warning. Therefore, sounding the danger signal is the appropriate first step.