United States Coast Guard Captains License Practice Exam

Which statement is true about the fog signal for a vessel anchored in a special anchorage area?

1. The vessel is not required to sound a fog signal

2. The vessel shall rapidly ring a bell for 5 seconds every minute

3. The vessel shall sound one blast of the whistle every 2 minutes

4. The vessel shall sound three blasts on the whistle every 2 minutes

The correct answer is: The vessel shall rapidly ring a bell for 5 seconds every minute

In a special anchorage area, the established regulations state that a vessel must sound a fog signal to alert other vessels of its presence. The requirement for a vessel at anchor in such a designated area is to ring a bell rapidly for 5 seconds every minute. This signal serves as an audible warning to nearby vessels, informing them of the anchored vessel's location and ensuring safety in reduced visibility conditions such as fog. This protocol aligns with maritime safety regulations, which are essential for preventing collisions and enhancing communication between vessels operating in areas where visibility is diminished. Other types of sound signals, such as a single or triple blast from a whistle, are typically associated with different circumstances, like vessels under way or maneuvering, rather than those at anchor in a special anchorage area.