What is the significance of sounding the danger signal while underway?

Sounding the danger signal while underway serves a crucial purpose related to safety and awareness on the water. When a vessel sounds a danger signal, it is intended to alert other vessels to a potential hazard or an emergency situation. This action communicates to nearby mariners that there is something amiss and that they should exercise caution.

The importance of this signal lies in its ability to promote safe navigation and prevent collisions or mishaps. It is a clear, unambiguous way to convey a sense of urgency and the need for attention from others in the vicinity. While it might also create confusion or prompt a response, its primary intent is to highlight a serious concern that may impact safety on the water.

In contrast, indicating safe passage, announcing a vessel's arrival, or summoning assistance represents different concepts that do not align with the primary purpose of a danger signal. Each of those actions conveys a different message regarding navigational status or operational need, but they do not fulfill the urgent safety communication that a danger signal is designed to provide.