Question 1018 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is A) The vessel is in distress. According to both the International and Inland Navigation Rules, the firing of a gun at one-minute intervals is a distress signal. This signal indicates that the vessel is in grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance. The firing of a gun at regular intervals is a universally recognized signal of distress that alerts other vessels in the area to the emergency situation. The other answer choices are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the meaning of this distress signal. The gun is not being used to sound passing signals (B), nor does it indicate that it is safe to pass (C) or that vessels should clear the area (D). The correct interpretation is that the vessel is in distress and requires immediate aid.