Question 1022 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is B) A smoke signal giving off orange-colored smoke. The international regulations for distress signals recognize smoke signals that produce an orange-colored smoke as a recognized distress signal, both for international and inland waters. This type of smoke signal is easily visible and indicates that a vessel or person is in distress and requires immediate assistance. The other options are incorrect because: A) the "PAN" signal is used to indicate an urgency situation, not a distress; C) the whistle signal is used for maneuvering and collision avoidance, not distress; and D) directing a searchlight at another vessel is not an internationally recognized distress signal.