Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Boater Safety Practice Exam

How should a vessel respond to five short blasts of a horn?

1. It indicates danger

2. It indicates agreement to proceed

3. It signifies intent to leave on starboard side

4. It requests assistance

The correct answer is: It signifies intent to leave on starboard side

When five short blasts of a horn are sounded, it serves as a signal indicating danger. This sound is universally recognized in boating and maritime communication as an indication that a vessel is unsure of another's intentions or that it is in a potentially hazardous situation. Understanding this signal is crucial for safe navigation and communication between vessels, especially in confined waters or situations where visibility may be obstructed. This pattern of horn blasts helps to ensure that all vessels are aware of their surroundings and can take appropriate actions to avoid collisions or other incidents. In contrast, the other options you mentioned do not accurately represent the meaning of five short blasts. For instance, agreement to proceed, intent to leave on the starboard side, or requests for assistance involve different signaling patterns or contexts that do not correspond to the standard maritime communication represented by five short blasts.