Question 1028 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is A) The vessel required immediate assistance. According to the International and Inland Navigation Rules, the display of flames aboard a vessel that is not on fire indicates that the vessel is in distress and requires immediate assistance. Flames are one of the distress signals recognized under the Navigation Rules, and their display is meant to attract the attention of other vessels or aircraft in the area so they can render aid to the distressed vessel. The other answer choices are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the meaning of displaying flames on a vessel that is not on fire. The vessel is not attempting to attract a pilot boat, being illuminated for identification, or simply trying to get warm - it is signaling that it is in need of immediate assistance.