Question 49 ONC07 - OUPV-Near Coastal

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 "firing of a gun or continuous sounding with any fog-signalling apparatus" at approximately one-minute intervals is one of the recognized signals used to indicate that a vessel is in distress and requires assistance. The distinct, repeated firing of the gun serves as an unambiguous audio alert to surrounding vessels that the signaling vessel is facing a grave danger. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) The gun is being used to sound passing signals:** Passing signals (or maneuvering and warning signals) are defined in Rule 34 of COLREGs and are sounded using the vessel's whistle (short or prolonged blasts). They are not typically sounded by the repeated firing of a gun at one-minute intervals. * **B) All vessels are to clear the area:** While distress signals necessitate that vessels clear the immediate path of rescue operations or take action to assist, the primary indication is distress, not a simple command for others to clear out. Furthermore, there is no standardized COLREG signal using a gun firing at one-minute intervals specifically to order vessels to clear an area. * **D) All is clear and it is safe to pass:** This signal is completely contrary to the meaning of a gun fired repeatedly at short intervals. Signals indicating safety or permission to pass are usually communicated via whistle signals, VHF radio, or lights, not a recognized international distress signal.