The one short blast when meeting another vessel means

The one short blast when meeting another vessel means

• A. I intend to leave you on my port side.
• B. I intend to pass on your starboard side.
• C. I am turning to port.
• D. I am stopping.

Answer: (A)

When two vessels are meeting, they use sound signals to show what maneuver they intend to make. A single short blast is the signal that you plan to leave the other vessel on your port side—that is, you intend to pass the other vessel on its left side as you go by. So hearing one short blast tells the other vessel that you will pass on your port side, and they should maneuver accordingly. The other signals for passing on the starboard side or for other actions (like backing or stopping) use different numbers or types of blasts, which is why this one short blast is the best match for leaving the other vessel on your port side.

When two vessels are meeting, they use sound signals to show what maneuver they intend to make. A single short blast is the signal that you plan to leave the other vessel on your port side—that is, you intend to pass the other vessel on its left side as you go by.

So hearing one short blast tells the other vessel that you will pass on your port side, and they should maneuver accordingly. The other signals for passing on the starboard side or for other actions (like backing or stopping) use different numbers or types of blasts, which is why this one short blast is the best match for leaving the other vessel on your port side.