Which signal indicates a vessel underway not making way?

Which signal indicates a vessel underway not making way?

• A. One prolonged every 2 minutes
• B. Two prolonged every 2 minutes
• C. One short blast
• D. Two short blasts

Answer: (B)

The signal pattern tested here describes a vessel that is moving through the water but not making headway. When a vessel is underway but not making way, the standard signal is two prolonged blasts, repeated at two-minute intervals. This tells nearby vessels that the vessel is not progressing as expected and others should exercise caution and stay clear if possible. The other options correspond to different situations. A single prolonged blast every two minutes signals a vessel at anchor, not one that is underway. Short blasts have different uses in maneuvering and passing situations, so they do not convey the status “underway but not making way.”

The signal pattern tested here describes a vessel that is moving through the water but not making headway. When a vessel is underway but not making way, the standard signal is two prolonged blasts, repeated at two-minute intervals. This tells nearby vessels that the vessel is not progressing as expected and others should exercise caution and stay clear if possible.

The other options correspond to different situations. A single prolonged blast every two minutes signals a vessel at anchor, not one that is underway. Short blasts have different uses in maneuvering and passing situations, so they do not convey the status “underway but not making way.”