How often must sound signals be made by a vessel in distress?

The correct frequency for sound signals made by a vessel in distress is every two minutes. This standard is established to ensure that the signals are adequately spaced for recognition without overwhelming other vessels that may be in the area. Sound signals are an important aspect of maritime distress communication, allowing other vessels to identify the urgency of the situation and promptly respond.

By making distress signals in this manner, vessels can effectively communicate their need for assistance while allowing a reasonable time for other ships to interpret the signals and take appropriate actions. This timeframe also balances the need for a consistent signal without causing unnecessary alarm or confusion in busy shipping lanes.

In the context of maritime distress communication, other frequencies would be too frequent or too infrequent, making them less effective for ensuring that the distress signal is noticed and acted upon by nearby vessels.