In inland waters, when two power-driven vessels are crossing and you are within 1/2 mile of the other vessel, which action is required?

• A. Passing signals must be sounded.
• B. No signals are required.
• C. Only long blasts are required.
• D. You should stop.

Answer: (A)

When two power-driven vessels are crossing and you’re within half a mile of the other vessel, you must communicate your intended maneuver. This is all about making sure the other boat understands what you plan to do so collision isn’t possible. The rule calls for using passing signals to indicate that you intend to pass and on which side, since visual cues can be hard to interpret in busy or confined inland waterways. Sounding these signals gives the other vessel a clear cue to respond or adjust course, helping both boats stay safe.

Skipping signals or relying on silence leaves the other vessel guessing, which increases the risk of misinterpretation and collision. Simply sounding only long blasts isn’t the prescribed method for this situation, and stopping would generally create a larger hazard in traffic. So, the required action is to sound the passing signals to communicate your intent to pass.