What should a vessel do if it receives a distress signal from another vessel?

When a vessel receives a distress signal from another vessel, the appropriate action is to respond immediately, if able. This is crucial because the purpose of a distress signal is to alert nearby vessels that someone is in urgent need of assistance.

Quick action can be vital in emergencies, as it can lead to the timely rescue of individuals in peril. By responding immediately, the vessel can help assess the situation, provide assistance, or coordinate with other vessels and rescue services to ensure a more efficient and effective response.

The other options do not align with the best practice in maritime safety. Assuming it is a drill ignores the serious nature of distress signals, which could lead to disastrous outcomes if the situation is genuine. Waiting for further signals could cause unnecessary delays that might worsen the conditions for those in distress. Lastly, while contacting the coast guard can be part of the response, it should not replace the immediate response to assist the vessel in distress. Providing direct help when possible is the first priority.