What is the sound signal for a power-driven vessel with restricted visibility underway, not making way?

• A. One long
• B. Two long
• C. Three short
• D. One long, three short

Answer: (B)

In restricted visibility, the sound signals tell other vessels what your current status is to help avoid collisions. If a power-driven vessel is underway but not making way through the water, the proper signal is a single prolonged blast. That one long blast communicates that you are not moving forward, even though your engine is running, so others understand you aren’t heading anywhere at that moment.

The two prolonged blasts signal a different condition: being restricted in your ability to maneuver. So they’re not the same situation as simply not making way. The other short or mixed signals are used for other specific intents or situations and do not describe the not-making-way condition.