Question 1017 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is B) The vessel's searchlight. The vessel's searchlight can be used to attract attention, as per the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS). Under Rule 36, the COLREGS state that a vessel may use its searchlight to signal to another vessel, but only in such a way as not to dazzle or confuse the other vessel. This makes the vessel's searchlight a valid signal to attract attention, unlike the other options provided, which are not recognized as official signaling methods under the COLREGS. The other options, such as a burning barrel (A), an orange smoke signal (C), or a red star shell (D), are not approved signaling devices for attracting attention on the water. These are not part of the standard set of signals defined in the COLREGS or other maritime regulations.