What is the signal to commence lowering lifeboats?

• A. One long blast of the ship's whistle.
• B. One short blast.
• C. Two short blasts.
• D. Three long blasts.

Answer: (A)

The signal to commence lowering lifeboats is a single long blast on the ship’s whistle. A long blast is used for a decisive, unmistakable instruction that starts a major, coordinated action like lowering the lifeboats. It’s heard clearly over background noise and avoids the ambiguity that shorter blasts can have, which is why it’s chosen for this step. Other whistle signals (short blasts or multiple blasts) are reserved for different commands or maneuvers and could lead to confusion if used to start lowering.