USCG Exam PracticeGMDSS and VHF distress procedures
Which of the following is a recognized distress signal under 33 CFR §87.01?
- A. A continuous flashing white light at 100 flashes per minute
- ✓ Slowly and repeatedly raising and lowering arms outstretched to each sideCorrect
- C. Displaying a red flag with a white diagonal stripe
- D. Sounding five short blasts on the vessel's whistle
Why B is correct
33 CFR §87.01(k) lists slowly and repeatedly raising and lowering arms outstretched to each side as a recognized distress signal. The high-intensity white light is recognized only when flashing at 50–70 times per minute per §87.01(p), not 100.
Cited:33 CFR §87.01