Observe and identify
Developing level, about 3 min. International COLREGs / IRPCS.
The situation
You approach a blind bend in a channel. A vessel around the bend sounds a warning within hearing. You are approaching the same obscured passage.
How should you answer?
- Answer with one prolonged blast
- Answer with one short blast
- Give no reply
Answers and explanations
Lookout: Use the channel context. An acoustic pattern can have different meanings in different circumstances.
The sound answer
Answer with one prolonged blast
An approaching vessel within hearing around the bend or behind the obstruction answers with one prolonged blast. Navigate with particular alertness and caution.
Why the other options fall short
Answer with one short blast
The bend warning requires a prolonged-blast reply from an approaching vessel within hearing.
Give no reply
The approaching vessel within hearing must answer the bend warning.
Rules 9(f) & 34(e) · Bend warning and reply
A vessel nearing an obscured bend or area of a channel or fairway sounds one prolonged blast. An approaching vessel within hearing answers with one prolonged blast.