Five short blasts (International and inland when overtaking) indicate which outcome?

• A. No (Vessel may not overtake)
• B. I do not understand your intentions
• C. I am overtaking on port side
• D. I am overtaking on starboard side

Answer: (A)

Five short blasts are a deliberate signal about overtaking. In both International and Inland Rules, when overtaking is being discussed, five short blasts is used to indicate that overtaking is not permitted or not safe at that moment. It’s a clear way for the vessel that would otherwise be overtaken to communicate that the other vessel’s path is not available for passing right now, so you should not attempt to overtake and should wait for a safer moment or a definite signal to proceed. This isn’t a message about understanding the other vessel’s intentions, nor does it specify which side you’d pass on; it’s a prohibition or caution about overtaking itself.