On a small motorboat, what daytime signal identifies a law enforcement boat?

On a small motorboat, what daytime signal identifies a law enforcement boat?

• A. Flashing blue light
• B. Red flare
• C. White flag
• D. Red and white stripes

Answer: (A)

A blue flashing light is used to identify a law enforcement or government service vessel. The flashing blue signal signals authority, so other boats know to yield or follow instructions from the officer on board. The other signals don’t indicate official status: a red distress flare is for calling for help, a white flag is a general surrender or call for assistance, and red-and-white stripes aren’t standard marks of law enforcement. So the daytime blue flashing light is the clear mark of an authority vessel.

A blue flashing light is used to identify a law enforcement or government service vessel. The flashing blue signal signals authority, so other boats know to yield or follow instructions from the officer on board. The other signals don’t indicate official status: a red distress flare is for calling for help, a white flag is a general surrender or call for assistance, and red-and-white stripes aren’t standard marks of law enforcement. So the daytime blue flashing light is the clear mark of an authority vessel.