Two long and one short blast, International when overtaking, indicates you intend to overtake on which side?

• A. I intend to overtake you on your starboard side
• B. I am leaving berth
• C. I intend to overtake you on your port side
• D. I am altering my course to port

Answer: (C)

In the International Rules, sound signals are used to clearly communicate overtaking intentions. A sequence of two long blasts followed by one short blast is the overtaking signal that indicates you plan to pass on the other vessel’s port side. The two long blasts announce the overtaking action, and the single short blast specifies that the maneuver will be on the port (left) side. So the meaning is that you intend to overtake on the other vessel’s port side, telling them to keep clear on that side. If the overtaking were to occur on the starboard side, a different signal would be used.