Distress Signals Practice Questions

1. Which of the following is a recognized distress signal listed in Annex IV of the COLREGS?

• A.Three short blasts on a whistle
• B.Continuous sounding of a fog signal apparatus✓
• C.One prolonged blast repeated every 2 minutes
• D.Four short blasts on a whistle

Why: The keyed answer is correct: 'a continuous sounding with any fog-signalling apparatus' is a recognized distress signal under Annex IV paragraph 1(b) (not 1(f); 1(f) is the International Code Signal of distress N.C.). Three short blasts is the astern-propulsion signal (Rule 34(a)); one prolonged blast every 2 minutes is the fog signal for a power-driven vessel making way (Rule 35(a)); neither is a distress signal.

2. The International Code Signal of distress consists of which flag combination?

• A.The 'N' flag flown above the 'C' flag✓
• B.The 'D' flag flown above the 'K' flag
• C.The 'M' flag flown above the 'A' flag
• D.The 'O' flag flown above the 'N' flag

Why: The correct answer is the 'N' (November) flag flown above the 'C' (Charlie) flag. The International Code Signal of distress is N.C., listed in COLREGS Annex IV paragraph 1(f). The SOS Morse-code distress signal is paragraph 1(d). (The previous explanation incorrectly cited 1(h) — flames on the vessel — for SOS and 1(i) — red rocket/hand flare — for N.C.)

3. An EPIRB (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon) signal transmitted on 406 MHz or 121.5 MHz is recognized as a distress signal under Annex IV. This is referenced in which paragraph?

• A.Annex IV, paragraph 1(l)
• B.Annex IV, paragraph 1(d)
• C.Annex IV, paragraph 1(n)✓
• D.Annex IV, paragraph 1(g)

Why: Annex IV paragraph 1(n) covers 'signals transmitted by emergency position-indicating radio beacons,' encompassing EPIRBs and PLBs on 406 MHz (satellite-detected) and 121.5 MHz (homing). The 1981 amendments added this signal to keep Annex IV aligned with advancing search-and-rescue technology.

4. Rule 37 states that a vessel in distress and requiring assistance shall use or exhibit which signals?

• A.The signals described in Rule 35
• B.The signals described in Annex IV✓
• C.The signals described in Annex II
• D.The signals described in Rule 34

Why: Rule 37 is simple: a vessel in distress requiring assistance shall use or exhibit the signals described in Annex IV. Rule 37 itself contains no specific signal descriptions; it delegates entirely to Annex IV, which lists 15+ recognized distress signals.

5. 'Flames on the vessel (as from a burning tar barrel, oil barrel, etc.)' is recognized as which type of signal under Annex IV?

• A.A fog signal
• B.A sound signal
• C.A distress signal✓
• D.A caution signal

Why: Annex IV paragraph 1(h) recognizes flames on a vessel — such as from a burning tar barrel or oil barrel — as a distress signal. This keeps the oldest maritime distress indicator (an open fire on deck) officially recognized alongside modern electronic distress alerts. (Paragraph 1(e), by contrast, is the radiotelephony spoken word "Mayday.")