Which signal does a power-driven vessel leaving dock or berth use?

Which signal does a power-driven vessel leaving dock or berth use?

• A. Five short blasts
• B. Two short blasts
• C. Three short blasts
• D. One prolonged blast

Answer: (D)

Sound signals are used to clearly communicate a vessel’s intended action to others nearby. When a power-driven vessel is leaving a dock or berth, it uses a single prolonged blast to announce its departure. The long blast stands out and immediately signals that the vessel is about to move away from the dock into the channel, prompting other vessels to watch and adjust as needed. The other blast patterns are associated with different maneuvers or warnings, not with leaving a berth, so they don’t fit this situation.

Sound signals are used to clearly communicate a vessel’s intended action to others nearby. When a power-driven vessel is leaving a dock or berth, it uses a single prolonged blast to announce its departure. The long blast stands out and immediately signals that the vessel is about to move away from the dock into the channel, prompting other vessels to watch and adjust as needed. The other blast patterns are associated with different maneuvers or warnings, not with leaving a berth, so they don’t fit this situation.