Rules of the Road · Distress Signals
Which of the following is a recognized distress signal listed in Annex IV of the COLREGS?
- AThree short blasts on a whistle
- BContinuous sounding of a fog signal apparatus✓ Correct
- COne prolonged blast repeated every 2 minutes
- DFour short blasts on a whistle
Explanation
Annex IV paragraph 1(f) lists 'a continuous sounding with any fog-signalling apparatus' as a recognized distress signal. Three short blasts is astern propulsion (Rule 34). One prolonged blast every 2 minutes is a fog signal for power-driven vessels making way (Rule 35(a)), not a distress signal.
Authority: 72 COLREGS Annex IV, paragraph 1(f)
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