What does the signal of five or more short blasts indicate?

• A. It indicates imminent danger and requires other vessel to take action
• B. It means you intend to anchor
• C. A danger signal indicating something is wrong and that other vessel should take action
• D. An order to stop

Answer: (C)

Five or more short blasts communicates a danger signal. It’s a general alert used to indicate that something is wrong and that the other vessel should take action to avoid danger. This isn’t saying you intend to anchor or give a command to stop; rather, it places the responsibility on nearby vessels to respond by changing course, reducing speed, or taking whatever action is needed to stay clear of the danger. In practice, hearing that signal means you should be prepared to adjust your own maneuvering and, if appropriate, communicate to coordinate a safe passage.