USCG Exam PracticeRule 5 — Look-out
A pushing vessel and a vessel being pushed ahead are rigidly connected in a composite unit and are operating in restricted visibility. Which fog signal applies to this composite unit?
- A. One prolonged blast followed by two short blasts, because the pushing vessel is engaged in towing
- ✓ The signals prescribed for a power-driven vessel making way or stopped, because the composite unit is regarded as a power-driven vesselCorrect
- C. One prolonged blast followed by three short blasts, because the pushed vessel must signal separately
- D. Two separate signals: the towing vessel sounds one prolonged blast and the pushed vessel sounds one prolonged followed by three short blasts
Why B 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 shall give the signals prescribed in paragraphs (a) or (b) — one prolonged blast if making way, or two prolonged blasts if stopped and making no way. The composite unit is treated as a single power-driven vessel.
Cited:33 CFR §83.35