Question 50 GLI01 - Master-Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation for Option B (A vessel is in distress):** According to both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs, Rule 37) and the corresponding Inland Rules, certain sound signals are designated specifically as distress signals. The continuous sounding of a fog whistle (or any prolonged sounding device) is universally recognized by mariners as the international signal indicating that a vessel is in distress and requires immediate assistance. **Why the Other Options are Incorrect:** * **A) A request that the draw span of a bridge to be opened:** Bridge opening requests usually involve specific short blasts (e.g., one long blast followed by one short blast, depending on local regulations), not a continuous sounding of the fog whistle. * **C) That the vessel is anchored:** When anchored in restricted visibility, a vessel sounds rapid ringing of a bell for 5 seconds every minute (for vessels under 100 meters) or uses a bell and a gong (for vessels over 100 meters). A continuous blast is not the signal for being anchored. * **D) A vessel is broken down and drifting:** While a broken-down vessel may be in distress, the specific signaling required by the rules for a vessel that is merely underway but unable to maneuver involves specific whistle signals (such as five or more short blasts to indicate confusion or doubt), not the continuous, prolonged sounding used for distress.