Connecticut Safe Boating Practice Test

Which of the following indicates that you are approaching a vessel that plans to back up?

1. One prolonged blast

2. Three short blasts

3. Two short blasts

4. Five short blasts

The correct answer is: Three short blasts

The correct choice, which indicates that you are approaching a vessel that plans to back up, is three short blasts. This signal is a standard sound signal in the maritime environment and is used universally to indicate a vessel's intention to move in a certain way. In this case, three short blasts specifically communicate that the vessel is backing up, which is critical information for other boaters in the vicinity to ensure safety and avoid collisions. Understanding sound signals is essential for safe navigation, especially in busy waterways. The other options correspond to different maneuvers: one prolonged blast indicates your vessel is leaving the dock or is about to depart from a mooring, two short blasts signify that you are passing another vessel on your starboard side, and five short blasts are generally used as a warning signal, indicating uncertainty or danger.