What is the maximum interval between the prolonged and two short blasts when signaling towing in restricted visibility?

What is the maximum interval between the prolonged and two short blasts when signaling towing in restricted visibility?

• A. Two minutes
• B. One minute
• C. Three minutes
• D. Four minutes

Answer: (A)

In restricted visibility, the signal that indicates you are towing is a prolonged blast followed by two short blasts, and the two short blasts must be given within a short, defined time frame after the prolonged blast. The maximum interval is two minutes. This tight timing keeps the signal unmistakably linked to towing and ensures other vessels understand your status promptly in poor visibility. If the gap were longer, the signal could be misread or treated as separate actions, increasing the risk of collision. This timing detail comes from the towing signals established in the COLREGS.

In restricted visibility, the signal that indicates you are towing is a prolonged blast followed by two short blasts, and the two short blasts must be given within a short, defined time frame after the prolonged blast. The maximum interval is two minutes. This tight timing keeps the signal unmistakably linked to towing and ensures other vessels understand your status promptly in poor visibility. If the gap were longer, the signal could be misread or treated as separate actions, increasing the risk of collision. This timing detail comes from the towing signals established in the COLREGS.