What should you do if you see a distress signal from another vessel?

If you see a distress signal from another vessel, rendering assistance if it is safe to do so is the appropriate response. This action is crucial because the signal indicates that the vessel is in trouble and may require immediate help. The safety of the individuals on the distressed vessel could depend on the timely intervention of other boaters.

It's important to assess your own safety and the conditions before offering assistance. If it is safe for you to approach, doing so can provide critical support to those in need, as boaters helping each other is a vital part of maritime safety culture.

Ignoring the signal does not help those in distress and could leave them vulnerable to further risks. Reporting the situation to authorities, while also important, may delay immediate assistance that you could provide, so it's generally best to respond first if you can do so safely. Assistance based solely on personal acquaintance with the people in distress is not advisable since distress signals are a call for help that should be universally acknowledged, independent of personal relationships.