Question 69 GLI01 - Master-Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is B The signal of **four short blasts followed by one long blast** (****-) is a specific sound signal used in North American waters (primarily adopted by the U.S. Coast Guard and Canadian Coast Guard) for vessels operating in ice-congested areas, particularly icebreakers and escorted vessels. This signal officially indicates that **the icebreaker has become beset (icebound) and the escorted vessels must stop immediately.** --- ### Why other options are incorrect: **A) The vessel is increasing the distance between vessels:** There is no standard whistle signal that corresponds to four short and one long blast specifically for increasing distance. Signals related to changing distance or speed are usually communicated via voice radio or different short/long blast combinations, often in conjunction with maneuvering signals (e.g., one short for "I am turning to starboard"). **C) The vessel is increasing speed; watch for broken ice:** The signal for increasing speed or increasing the distance between ships during icebreaking operations is **one long blast**, typically repeated. Four short and one long blast is a warning signal to halt all movement, not an indication of increasing speed. **D) The vessel has its engines full astern, stay clear:** The standard whistle signal for a vessel backing up or having its engines full astern is **three short blasts** (***). While an icebreaker that is beset might use its engines astern to free itself, the specific signal of four short and one long blast communicates the condition of being icebound and the necessity for the other ships to stop, rather than just indicating reverse propulsion.