When changing direction, what signal should you give to pass you on my Port side?

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

Answer: (A)

When vessels are maneuvering near each other, sound signals communicate how you intend to pass. If you plan to pass another boat on their port (left) side, you signal with a single short blast. That brief blast tells the other vessel you will pass on their left as you change direction, helping you coordinate and avoid confusion.

Two short blasts would indicate passing on the starboard (right) side, and three short blasts are used to indicate that you are operating in reverse. A long blast has its own uses and isn’t the signal for indicating which side you’ll pass on. So the one short blast is the appropriate signal for passing on the port side.