Question 41 OSV02 - Mate - Offshore Supply Vessels

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation for A (The vessel's searchlight):** Rule 36 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) specifically permits any light (such as a searchlight) or sound signal that cannot be mistaken for a navigational aid or a distress signal, to be used to attract the attention of another vessel. Flashing a searchlight towards the other vessel is a commonly accepted practice for this purpose, provided it does not impair the other vessel's vision. **Explanation for Incorrect Options:** * **B) A red star shell:** Red star shells (or flares) are defined in Annex IV of COLREGs as distress signals. Using a distress signal when not in distress is strictly prohibited. * **C) A burning barrel:** Any object on fire, such as a burning barrel, is listed in Annex IV of COLREGs as a universally recognized distress signal. * **D) An orange smoke signal:** Orange smoke signals (whether hand-held or floating) are defined in Annex IV of COLREGs as a recognized distress signal.