Five or more short blasts indicate which type of signal?

Five or more short blasts indicate which type of signal?

• A. Overtaking on starboard side
• B. Danger signal, used when doubt that enough action has been taken to avoid collision
• C. Not distress
• D. Signal for attention

Answer: (B)

The signal being tested is a collision-avoidance warning. When a vessel sounds five or more short blasts, it indicates that the transmitting vessel doubts that enough action has been taken to avoid a collision. It’s a deliberate warning to other vessels that you should not assume safe passage and that additional evasive action may be required. In practice, hearing this should prompt you to reassess the situation, confirm the other vessel’s intentions, and be prepared to alter course or speed to prevent a collision. This signal is not meant to indicate distress or to demand attention for other purposes; it’s specifically about uncertainty over collision avoidance and signaling that more decisive action is needed.

The signal being tested is a collision-avoidance warning. When a vessel sounds five or more short blasts, it indicates that the transmitting vessel doubts that enough action has been taken to avoid a collision. It’s a deliberate warning to other vessels that you should not assume safe passage and that additional evasive action may be required. In practice, hearing this should prompt you to reassess the situation, confirm the other vessel’s intentions, and be prepared to alter course or speed to prevent a collision. This signal is not meant to indicate distress or to demand attention for other purposes; it’s specifically about uncertainty over collision avoidance and signaling that more decisive action is needed.