Ship Driver Emergency Procedures and Distress Signals

Question 1

What is the international distress signal for a vessel in peril?

Accepted Answer

Mayday transmitted three times on VHF Channel 16

Answer

Continuous sounding of the fog horn

Answer

Three short whistle blasts

Answer

Flying a yellow flag

Question 2

What do three red parachute flares signal?

Accepted Answer

You are in distress and require immediate assistance

Answer

You need a pilot aboard

Answer

You are entering a restricted zone

Answer

Navigation lights have failed

Question 3

What is the first action when someone falls overboard?

Accepted Answer

Throw a flotation device to the person

Answer

Call the Coast Guard immediately

Answer

Reduce throttle to idle

Answer

Sound five short blasts

Question 4

What does EPIRB stand for and when is it activated?

Accepted Answer

Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon; activated when vessel is in distress

Answer

Electronic Position Identification and Rescue Buoy; activated at all times

Answer

Emergency Proximity Identification Radio Broadcast; activated in restricted waters

Answer

None of the above

Question 5

What is a Pan-Pan call used for?

Accepted Answer

Urgency situation — safety concern but not immediate life threat

Answer

Routine port entry notification

Answer

Weather broadcast

Answer

Requesting a bridge opening

Question 6

Which VHF channel is designated as the primary distress and calling channel?

Accepted Answer

Channel 16

Answer

Channel 22A

Answer

Channel 9

Answer

Channel 13