USCG Exam PracticeRule 35 — Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility
A pushing vessel and a vessel being pushed ahead are rigidly connected in a composite unit. What fog signal shall this composite unit sound in restricted visibility?
- A. One prolonged followed by two short blasts, because a pushing vessel is engaged in towing
- B. One prolonged followed by three short blasts, as the last vessel of a tow
- ✓ The signal prescribed for a power-driven vessel — one prolonged blast if making way, or two prolonged blasts if stopped and making no wayCorrect
- D. No fog signal is required because the composite unit is neither a towing vessel nor a vessel being towed
Why C is correct
33 CFR §83.35(f) states that when a pushing vessel and a vessel being pushed ahead are rigidly connected in a composite unit, they shall be regarded as a power-driven vessel and give the signals in §83.35(a) or (b). The one-prolonged-and-two-short signal in §83.35(c) applies to towing arrangements that are not composite units.