Inland vessels may radio or sound signal for an alternative course of action.

• A. Inland vessels must always give way.
• B. International vessels may ignore the rules in inland waters.
• C. Inland vessels may radio or sound signal for an alternative course.
• D. There is no difference between inland and international vessels.

Answer: (C)

On inland waterways, vessels are allowed to use radio or sound signals to request or indicate an alternative course to avoid a collision. This cooperative signaling helps both vessels coordinate a safe maneuver when the standard rules alone might be uncertain or slow to act. It’s a practical option that reflects how Inland Rules prioritize clear communication to prevent collisions. The other statements aren’t correct because rules don’t require one vessel to always yield, international rules don’t blanketly override inland rules, and there are real, established differences between inland and international regulations, including how signals and communications are used.