Boating Coach
Communication and distressQuestion 283 of 566

A large vessel sounds 3 short blasts. What does it mean?

  1. I am operating in reverse.
  2. I am changing my course to port.
  3. I am changing my course to starboard.
  4. I am stopped and at anchor.
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Correct answer: I am operating in reverse.

Three short blasts mean the vessel is running in reverse.

Source: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 2026), Know warning signals from large vessels, page 37

All questionsPractice the topic "Communication and distress"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026