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

Mayday is the international radiotelephony distress signal — spoken three times on VHF Channel 16 — indicating grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance.

Question 2

What do three red parachute flares signal?

Accepted Answer

You are in distress and require immediate assistance

Answer

Three red parachute flares (or three red hand flares) are internationally recognized visual distress signals indicating a vessel requires immediate help.

Question 3

What is the first action when someone falls overboard?

Accepted Answer

Throw a flotation device to the person

Answer

Throwing a flotation device immediately gives the person in the water something to hold onto while you take further action and maneuver the vessel.

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

An EPIRB (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon) transmits a distress signal with GPS coordinates to satellite when activated during an emergency.

Question 5

What is a Pan-Pan call used for?

Accepted Answer

Urgency situation — safety concern but not immediate life threat

Answer

Pan-Pan is an urgency signal indicating a serious but not immediately life-threatening situation, such as a medical issue or non-critical mechanical failure.

Ship Driver Practice Test

Ship Driver Practice Test

Ship Driver Emergency Procedures and Distress Signals