What does a bright light shown in an irregular pattern indicate in a distress situation?

A bright light shown in an irregular pattern serves as a recognized signal indicating that a vessel is in distress or in need of assistance. According to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) guidelines, such a light is used to communicate an emergency situation to nearby vessels. This method of signaling is crucial as it allows those in proximity to identify that help is required promptly, encouraging other vessels to provide aid.

In contrast, the other options present misleading interpretations. A light signal associated with a celebration or scheduled announcements does not conform to the established protocols for distress signals. Additionally, while poor visibility can be a concern at sea, it would be indicated through different means, such as navigation lights or sound signals, rather than an irregular light pattern, which has a specific, accepted implication of distress.