What signal should be used to attract attention in a MOB situation?

• A. Sound more than six short blasts of the horn or whistle.
• B. Flashing LED lights continuously.
• C. Shout 'MOB!' repeatedly.
• D. Turn on all deck lights at night.

Answer: (A)

In a MOB situation, the fastest, most reliable way to attract attention is to sound more than six short blasts on the horn or whistle. This audible signal is universally understood by mariners as a call for immediate help, and it carries over water and through engine noise, making it easy for nearby vessels and crew to notice quickly. The other options aren’t standardized signals and can be ineffective: flashing lights depend on visibility and may be missed; shouting can be drowned out by wind and noise; turning on all deck lights helps visually but isn’t a recognized attention signal at distance.