You are underway and hear a vessel continuously sounding her fog whistle. This indicates the other vessel _____________.

You are underway and hear a vessel continuously sounding her fog whistle. This indicates the other vessel _____________.

• A. desires to communicate by radio
• B. desires a pilot
• C. is in distress
• D. is aground

Answer: (C)

When a vessel continuously sounds its fog whistle, it is signaling that it is in distress. The sound of the fog whistle is a safety measure used in reduced visibility conditions to alert other vessels of its presence and location. This continuous sound could indicate an emergency situation, such as being in need of assistance or encountering another problem on the water. This method of signaling is particularly important because visual cues may be limited due to fog, rain, or other weather conditions. Other vessels in the area are expected to take precautions and may choose to assist if they determine that the signaling vessel requires help. The other options do not accurately represent the meaning of a continuous fog whistle. A vessel desiring to communicate by radio would use radio equipment rather than a sound signal. Wishes to take on a pilot or being aground are specific situations that would not typically involve a continuous fog whistle as a signaling device.

When a vessel continuously sounds its fog whistle, it is signaling that it is in distress. The sound of the fog whistle is a safety measure used in reduced visibility conditions to alert other vessels of its presence and location. This continuous sound could indicate an emergency situation, such as being in need of assistance or encountering another problem on the water.

This method of signaling is particularly important because visual cues may be limited due to fog, rain, or other weather conditions. Other vessels in the area are expected to take precautions and may choose to assist if they determine that the signaling vessel requires help.

The other options do not accurately represent the meaning of a continuous fog whistle. A vessel desiring to communicate by radio would use radio equipment rather than a sound signal. Wishes to take on a pilot or being aground are specific situations that would not typically involve a continuous fog whistle as a signaling device.