When should either vessel sound the danger signal?

The situation in which a vessel should sound the danger signal occurs when there is doubt regarding the other vessel’s intentions. This is a crucial aspect of navigational safety; clarity in communication is essential to avoiding misunderstandings that could lead to dangerous situations at sea. The danger signal is a way to warn the other vessel that there is uncertainty and to prompt a more cautious approach or action.

In scenarios where visibility is low, such as fog, sounding the danger signal should be done as a precautionary measure to alert others to one’s presence rather than because there is confusion about another vessel's intent. Similarly, when overtaking another vessel, standard navigation rules apply, and a different signal is typically used to indicate the overtaking maneuver, not a danger signal. The danger signal is also not exclusive to scenarios in which a collision is imminent; rather, it is a means of communication when intentions are unclear, regardless of whether a collision is about to occur. Understanding these contexts helps ensure that mariners can communicate effectively and navigate safely in various situations.