Is it true that all vessels must adhere to the Annex IV Distress Signals regulations?

The statement that all vessels must adhere to the Annex IV Distress Signals regulations is correct. Under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea), the use of distress signals is mandatory for all vessels, regardless of their type or purpose. This adherence ensures that any vessel in distress can communicate its situation effectively and receive help from other vessels or authorities in the area.

Distress signals, which can include visual signals, sound signals, and radio communications, are crucial for safety at sea. By standardizing these signals through regulations, mariners can be assured that a distress call will be recognized and acted upon appropriately across different types of vessels and regions.

The necessity for compliance with these regulations applies equally to commercial and private vessels alike. Therefore, the assertion that all vessels must follow these rules highlights the importance of maritime safety and the collective responsibility of all mariners to respond to emergencies on the water.