In fog, you hear a whistle signal of one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts. This signal could indicate a vessel

In fog, you hear a whistle signal of one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts. This signal could indicate a vessel

• A. A vessel making way
• B. A vessel not under command
• C. A vessel at anchor
• D. A vessel in distress

Answer: (B)

In restricted visibility, ships use sound signals to indicate their status and maneuvering capability. One prolonged blast followed by two short blasts is the international signal for a vessel not under command. That means the vessel cannot maneuver to avoid collisions, so other vessels must take early and substantial action to keep well clear. It’s not a distress signal (three prolonged blasts), and the patterns for vessels at anchor or making way are different, so the key point is recognizing not under command and the extra space you should give to that vessel.

In restricted visibility, ships use sound signals to indicate their status and maneuvering capability. One prolonged blast followed by two short blasts is the international signal for a vessel not under command. That means the vessel cannot maneuver to avoid collisions, so other vessels must take early and substantial action to keep well clear. It’s not a distress signal (three prolonged blasts), and the patterns for vessels at anchor or making way are different, so the key point is recognizing not under command and the extra space you should give to that vessel.