What is a key difference between inland and international maneuvering signals?

The key difference between inland and international maneuvering signals lies in how they communicate information regarding the vessel's actions and intentions. Inland signals focus on indicating a vessel's intent, which includes notifying other vessels of what the signaling vessel plans to do. These signals ensure safety and clarity as vessels navigate in close quarters, often where more traffic and specific local rules apply.

In contrast, international signals primarily convey immediate actions, providing other vessels with instructions on how to react to a ship’s movements. This is essential for navigation in international waters, where vessels from different countries must understand each other's actions without ambiguity.

The distinction highlights the importance of context in navigation; inland rules often cater to more localized traffic scenarios, while international signals are designed to facilitate communication across various jurisdictions and nations. Thus, the option stating that inland signals state intent and international signals state action accurately reflects this difference, emphasizing the importance of clear communication in maritime environments.