Gary wrote:
You would have to ask for clarification for two reasons,
1) it is jargon that relates to US Inland rules; and
2) this was water where the International rules apply.

Ok, that is where the confusion came in. Somehow in my exuberance I
missed the part about the discussion being strictly about International
Rules. knock on wooden head Different signals, and no delay for
agreement required before action. Got it.