Question 49 UFV02 - Mate - Uninspected Fishing Vessels

The Correct Answer is C **Why Option C ("The vessel is in distress") is correct:** According to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), Annex IV (Distress Signals), the firing of a gun or continuous explosive signal at intervals of about one minute is a globally recognized signal indicating that a vessel is in **distress** and requires assistance. This signal is unambiguous and mandated for both international and inland waters. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) The gun is being used to sound passing signals:** Passing signals (or maneuvering/warning signals) are typically short blasts (one, two, or three blasts) sounded quickly using the ship's whistle or horn, not a gun fired at one-minute intervals. The one-minute interval is a specific indicator of distress. * **B) All vessels are to clear the area:** While a distress situation implies danger, the primary function of this specific signal is to request aid, not simply to order other vessels to vacate the area. The distress signal requires other vessels to offer assistance if they can safely do so. * **D) All is clear and it is safe to pass:** This is the opposite of what the signal indicates. A gun fired at one-minute intervals signifies an urgent, dangerous situation (distress). "All is clear" is not communicated by firing a distress signal.