Question 49 GLI05 - Master or Mate of LT 200 GRT

The Correct Answer is C **Explanation for Option C (The vessel is in distress):** According to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), Annex IV, which details Distress Signals, the continuous sounding of a fog-signaling apparatus (such as a prolonged blast at short intervals) or other specifically recognized signals are used to indicate distress. While a gun signal is often described in historical or broader distress contexts, the specific signal of a gun being fired at **one-minute intervals** is a universally recognized maritime distress signal indicating that the vessel is in grave and imminent danger and requires assistance. This is a non-verbal warning mandated under maritime law (and recognized internationally and domestically) that the vessel is in distress and requires immediate aid. **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:** * **A) The gun is being used to sound passing signals:** Passing or maneuvering signals (such as short and prolonged blasts) are sounded using the vessel's whistle or horn, not a gun. These signals are short and specific (e.g., one short blast means "I am altering my course to starboard"). Firing a gun at regular, sustained intervals is not a standard maneuvering signal. * **B) All vessels are to clear the area:** While a distress signal eventually leads to other vessels responding or keeping a respectful distance while assistance is rendered, the primary meaning of the signal itself is not a command for others to disperse, but rather a plea for help. There are no specific gun signals defined in COLREGs that instruct all other vessels to "clear the area." * **D) All is clear and it is safe to pass:** Distress signals (like the one-minute gun blasts) indicate an emergency, which is the opposite of "all is clear." If a vessel needed to indicate that an area was clear or safe to pass, it would use standard communication methods or specific navigational signals, not a distress signal.