You are meeting another vessel head-on and sound one short blast as a passing signal. The other vessel answers with two short blasts on their whistle. What should be your next action?

You are meeting another vessel head-on and sound one short blast as a passing signal. The other vessel answers with two short blasts on their whistle. What should be your next action?

• A. Sound the danger signal.
• B. Turn immediately to port.
• C. Continue to your course.
• D. Sound three long blasts.

Answer: (B)

When two vessels meet head-on, you must interpret signals to avoid collision and take decisive action if the signals don’t align. Your one short blast signals your intent to pass on the other vessel’s port side. If the other vessel answers with two short blasts, that indicates a different plan or a lack of agreement on how to pass. In this situation there isn’t a clear, mutually agreed maneuver, so you should prioritize safety and move to a safer path rather than hold your course. Turning immediately to port moves you out of the potential collision zone and gives you space if the other vessel is intending to pass on their own starboard side. Continuing on your course would keep you on a collision course with the other vessel, which isn’t safe given the conflicting signals. The danger signal (three long blasts) is reserved for imminent danger requiring immediate action, which isn’t indicated here, and the other options don’t address the conflicting signals as effectively.

When two vessels meet head-on, you must interpret signals to avoid collision and take decisive action if the signals don’t align. Your one short blast signals your intent to pass on the other vessel’s port side. If the other vessel answers with two short blasts, that indicates a different plan or a lack of agreement on how to pass. In this situation there isn’t a clear, mutually agreed maneuver, so you should prioritize safety and move to a safer path rather than hold your course.

Turning immediately to port moves you out of the potential collision zone and gives you space if the other vessel is intending to pass on their own starboard side. Continuing on your course would keep you on a collision course with the other vessel, which isn’t safe given the conflicting signals. The danger signal (three long blasts) is reserved for imminent danger requiring immediate action, which isn’t indicated here, and the other options don’t address the conflicting signals as effectively.