Question 3 AB01 - Able Seafarer

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation for Option B (Once every minute):** The firing of a gun or other explosive signal at intervals is a recognized distress signal under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), Annex IV, paragraph 1(b). This regulation specifies the precise interval required for the signal to be identified as a sign of distress, indicating that the vessel is in grave and imminent danger and requires assistance. The standard interval established by international maritime law is **at intervals of about a minute**. This frequent interval ensures that the signal is clearly distinguishable from other noises or infrequent firing (such as celebratory gunshots) and immediately alerts nearby vessels or rescue authorities to the emergency. **Explanation for Incorrect Options:** * **A) Once an hour:** This interval is far too infrequent for an urgent distress signal. A signal fired only once an hour would likely be missed, dismissed as an incidental noise, or would fail to convey the immediacy of the danger. * **C) Once every 10 minutes:** While more frequent than hourly, a 10-minute interval is still too long for a mandatory, immediate distress signal. The standard requires a much shorter, rhythmic interval to clearly indicate an emergency state. * **D) Once every 3 minutes:** Although closer to the required frequency than A or C, the internationally established and recognized interval for this specific distress signal (COLREGs) is "about a minute." Using a 3-minute interval deviates from the accepted standard and could potentially lead to delayed recognition compared to the internationally defined "once every minute" rhythm.