During overtaking and intending to pass well clear on the starboard side, what signaling action should you take?

• A. Sound one short blast and alter course to starboard.
• B. Five short blasts and maintain course.
• C. One long blast.
• D. Do nothing.

Answer: (A)

In overtaking situations, you must clearly signal your intended action and then maneuver to keep well clear of the vessel you’re passing. If you plan to pass on the starboard side, you convey that intention with a single short blast, and you should then alter course toward the starboard to pass safely on that side. This single short blast is the standard signal to indicate “I intend to pass you on my starboard side,” helping the other vessel understand your plan and maintain appropriate bearings.

Five short blasts is a danger signal or a warning in close quarters, not the normal way to announce overtaking. A single long blast doesn’t convey the specific overtaking direction, and doing nothing would fail to communicate your intentions and could lead to a collision.