What action should you take after sounding a prolonged blast when rounding a bend in a narrow channel?

When navigating through a narrow channel and sounding a prolonged blast, the most appropriate action is to listen for a response from other vessels. This practice aligns with the COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) rule concerning sound signals in restricted visibility and the responsibilities of vessels to keep a proper lookout.

By sounding a prolonged blast, you are alerting any nearby vessels of your presence, indicating that you are proceeding in a situation where visibility may be limited, and that there could be potential encounters with other ships. The key follow-up action is to listen for any responses, such as additional sound signals from other vessels, which can indicate their position, intentions, or status, allowing you to assess the situation and navigate safely. Listening for a response is crucial for maintaining situational awareness and ensuring that you and other vessels can manage the tight confines of the channel responsively and safely.

Maintaining full speed without confirming the responses from other vessels could create a dangerous situation if another vessel is also navigating the area. Changing course immediately without understanding the positions or intentions of other vessels might lead to collisions or navigational hazards. Stopping the vessel could also be problematic, especially in a narrow channel where maneuverability and maintaining a safe speed are essential to