Question 50 ONC01 - Master/Chief Mate Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is B **Why Option B ("A vessel is in distress") is correct:** According to both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS Rule 37) and Inland Navigation Rules, any prolonged and continuous sounding of a fog signaling apparatus (such as a fog whistle or horn) is one of the recognized signals used to indicate that a vessel is in distress and requires assistance. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) A request that the draw span of a bridge to be opened:** Requests for bridge openings typically involve specific short signals (like one long blast followed by one short blast or four to five short blasts, depending on the waterway and local rules) or communication via radio, not a continuous sounding of the fog whistle. * **C) That the vessel is anchored:** Under reduced visibility (fog), an anchored vessel sounds rapid ringing of the bell for 5 seconds every minute, possibly supplemented by a gong (for vessels over 100 meters), but not a continuous blast of the fog whistle. * **D) A vessel is broken down and drifting:** While a vessel broken down may eventually lead to a distress situation, the specific signal for a vessel that is merely broken down and drifting is not the continuous blast. The continuous blast is reserved specifically for the severe condition of distress requiring immediate aid.