What is the abandon ship signal on the ship's whistle?

• A. More than 6 short blasts and 1 long blast.
• B. One short blast.
• C. Three short blasts.
• D. One long blast.

Answer: (A)

Abandoning ship is signaled by a distinctive whistle pattern that crews recognize even in rough conditions: a rapid series of short blasts—six or more—followed by one long blast. This combination stands out and, when heard, signals that everyone must prepare to evacuate the vessel. The many short blasts grab attention quickly, while the final long blast clearly marks the transition into the evacuation phase, helping nearby ships and crew coordinate a response. In practice, this signal is repeated as needed until all are ashore or evacuees are aboard lifeboats, with crew following established abandon-ship procedures. Other whistle patterns serve different, non-evacuation meanings, so they don’t convey the urgent call to abandon ship.