What action should be taken to signal a desire to pass another vessel on the starboard side?

To signal a desire to pass another vessel on the starboard side, the appropriate action is to sound one short blast. This sound signal is a standardized way to communicate intentions while underway, following the rules set forth in the Navigation Rules. A single short blast indicates that you intend to pass the other vessel on your starboard side, alerting them to your maneuver.

Sound signals are essential for maintaining safe navigation, especially in areas where visibility may be limited or when vessels are in close proximity to one another. This particular signal helps to ensure that both vessels understand each other's intentions, reducing the risk of collision and promoting safe navigation practices.

In contrast, other signals have different meanings; for example, one long blast typically indicates that a vessel is leaving a dock or is about to leave a channel, while two short blasts indicate the intention to pass on the port side, which is the opposite of the situation described in the question. Understanding these signals and their meanings is crucial for effective communication at sea.