Question 49 MODU03 - Ballast Control Operator

The Correct Answer is C **Why option C is correct:** Option C states that a distress signal "may be used individually or in conjunction with other distress signals." This is accurate according to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically Annex IV, which details Distress Signals. Annex IV lists various distinct methods (such as a gun fired at intervals, rockets or shells showing red stars, continuous sounding of the fog-signaling apparatus, a signal consisting of a square flag having above or below it a ball or anything resembling a ball, etc.) that can be used to indicate distress. A vessel in distress is entitled to use any one of these signals, or combine several of them (e.g., flares and radio calls), to ensure their situation is clearly communicated and assistance is received. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) It shall consist of 5 or more short blasts of the fog signal apparatus:** This is incorrect. The prescribed distress signal using the fog-signaling apparatus is the **continuous sounding** of the apparatus (Annex IV, para 1(d)). A sequence of five or more short blasts has no specified meaning in the COLREGs, though the "doubt" signal (Rule 34(d)) consists of at least five short and rapid blasts, which is a maneuvering/warning signal, not a distress signal. * **B) It shall consist of the raising and lowering of a large white flag:** This is incorrect. While visual flags and signaling devices are used, the specific flags listed as distress signals are generally a square flag having above or below it a ball or anything resembling a ball (Annex IV, para 1(g)). There is no provision in COLREGs for the raising and lowering of a plain white flag as a recognized distress signal. * **D) It is used to indicate doubt about another vessel's intentions:** This is incorrect. Indicating doubt about another vessel's intentions or actions is achieved by sounding at least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle (Rule 34(d)). A distress signal (Annex IV) is used to indicate that a vessel is in **grave and imminent danger and requires assistance.**