What does three short blasts indicate?

What does three short blasts indicate?

• A. My engines are in astern propulsion.
• B. I am passing you on your starboard side.
• C. I require assistance.
• D. Engines are ahead.

Answer: (A)

Three short blasts are the signal that the vessel’s engines are in reverse. It’s used to tell others that you are backing up so they know your propulsive direction and can take appropriate action to avoid a collision or close quarters maneuvering. This pattern is specific to reversing, so it isn’t the signal for passing on a side, requesting assistance, or indicating forward propulsion, which would use different sound patterns.

Three short blasts are the signal that the vessel’s engines are in reverse. It’s used to tell others that you are backing up so they know your propulsive direction and can take appropriate action to avoid a collision or close quarters maneuvering. This pattern is specific to reversing, so it isn’t the signal for passing on a side, requesting assistance, or indicating forward propulsion, which would use different sound patterns.