In a narrow channel, a sailing vessel overtakes a power-driven vessel to pass on the port side. Which vessel is the give-way vessel and what signal should it sound?

• A. The power-driven vessel is the give-way vessel and would sound one prolonged blast.
• B. The sailing vessel would sound one short blast.
• C. The sailing vessel is the give-way vessel and would sound two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts.
• D. The overtaking vessel would sound five short blasts.

Answer: (C)

In an overtaking situation, the vessel that is overtaking must keep clear of the vessel being overtaken; that overtaking vessel is the give-way vessel. Here, the sailing vessel is overtaking the power-driven vessel to pass on the port side, so the sailing vessel is the give-way vessel. The correct signal for the give-way vessel to show its intent to pass on the port side is two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts. This informs the other vessel of the intended maneuver and allows it to maintain its course and speed without unnecessary adjustments. The other options don’t reflect the overtaking rule or the standard overtaking signal.