Question 4952 Deck General

70% to pass

What is the meaning of a flag hoist consisting of the code letters "WM" (Whiskey Mike) when displayed by an icebreaker?

A "Icebreaker support is now commencing."
B "Icebreaker support is finished."
C "You should stop your vessel instantly."
D "I am going ahead; follow me."
AI Explanation

The correct answer is A) "Icebreaker support is now commencing." The flag hoist "WM" (Whiskey Mike) is a signal used by icebreakers to indicate that they are about to begin assisting or escorting other vessels through ice-covered waters. This is a standard communication procedure used by the U.S. Coast Guard and other maritime authorities to coordinate icebreaking operations and ensure the safe passage of vessels. The other options are incorrect because B) "Icebreaker support is finished" would be signaled by a different flag hoist, C) "You should stop your vessel instantly" is not a standard icebreaker signal, and D) "I am going ahead; follow me" does not accurately describe the purpose of the "WM" flag hoist.

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