United States Coast Guard Captains License Practice Exam

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What does a prolonged blast from another vessel indicate while underway in fog?

Sailboat underway
Vessel underway, towing
Vessel underway, making way
Vessel being towed

The correct answer is: Vessel underway, making way

A prolonged blast from another vessel while underway in fog generally signifies that the vessel is making way. This is an important aspect of navigation rules, specifically designed to enhance safety by preventing collisions in reduced visibility conditions, such as fog. When a vessel is making way, it is navigating under its own power and is actively moving through the water, prompting the use of a prolonged blast to communicate its presence to nearby vessels that may not be able to see it due to the fog. This sound signal is part of a standardized system that assists mariners in understanding the intentions and status of nearby vessels, which is especially critical when visual information is limited. Understanding these signals allows for safer navigation practices and helps maintain awareness of surrounding traffic on the water.