Question 338 Deck Safety

The correct answer is C) to shorten the distance between vessels. The single letter "Q" is a signal flag used in the International Code of Signals, which is a standardized system of communication used by ships at sea. The signal "Q" specifically means "You should keep farther away from me." In the context of an icebreaker assisting another vessel, the "Q" signal would instruct the assisted vessel to shorten the distance between the two ships. The other options are incorrect because: A) the "Q" signal does not indicate the icebreaker's vessel health, B) the "Q" signal is not about shortening the distance, and D) the "Q" signal does not indicate the icebreaker has its engines in reverse.