While operating a power-driven vessel and approaching a bend in the channel where opposite-direction vessels cannot be seen, you should sound how long a single blast?

While operating a power-driven vessel and approaching a bend in the channel where opposite-direction vessels cannot be seen, you should sound how long a single blast?

• A. 1 second
• B. 4 to 6 seconds
• C. 2 to 3 seconds
• D. 8 to 12 seconds

Answer: (B)

When you’re approaching a bend in a channel and opposite-direction vessels can’t be seen, you need a clear audible warning to indicate your presence. A single prolonged blast serves this purpose, and its standard duration is four to six seconds. That length is long enough to be heard around the bend and through limited visibility, but not so long as to be mistaken for another signal. The other options are too short or too long for this warning use, which is why four to six seconds is the correct choice.

When you’re approaching a bend in a channel and opposite-direction vessels can’t be seen, you need a clear audible warning to indicate your presence. A single prolonged blast serves this purpose, and its standard duration is four to six seconds. That length is long enough to be heard around the bend and through limited visibility, but not so long as to be mistaken for another signal. The other options are too short or too long for this warning use, which is why four to six seconds is the correct choice.