What is the duration of a prolonged blast?

A prolonged blast is defined in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) as a sound signal lasting between 4 to 6 seconds. This specific duration is established to ensure clarity in communication between vessels and to aid in navigation safety, especially in situations where visibility is poor or when vessels are maneuvering in close quarters.

The use of a prolonged blast serves multiple purposes, including alerting other vessels to one's presence or intentions. The 4 to 6 seconds duration ensures that the signal is long enough to be clearly recognized by other mariners, while also providing a standardized method of communication that enhances maritime safety.

Other durations provided in the choices do not align with the COLREGs regulations regarding sound signals for vessels. For instance, a shorter duration, such as 1-2 seconds, would not sufficiently convey a prolonged alert, while a duration of 7-10 seconds would exceed the defined timeframe and potentially lead to confusion or misinterpretation among vessels in the vicinity. The duration of 3 seconds also does not meet the criteria set forth by the COLREGs, as it is less than the specified minimum of 4 seconds. Thus, the parameters established for a prolonged blast effectively promote safety and clarity in