What is the abandon ship signal?

• A. More than 6 short blasts and 1 long blast of the ship's whistle and the same signal on the general alarm bells
• B. A continuous three-tone signal
• C. One long blast only
• D. Four short blasts

Answer: (A)

Abandon ship is signaled by a clear, urgent whistle pattern: more than six short blasts followed by one long blast, and this same pattern is sounded on the general alarm bells as well. This combination is the internationally recognized way to indicate immediate evacuation of the vessel, so all crew members know to prepare lifeboats and abandon ship if necessary. The continuous three-tone signal, or a single long blast, or four short blasts do not convey the required urgency and are used for different situations, not the abandon-ship command.