What should crew members do in the event of an SOS call?

When an SOS call is received, crew members have a critical responsibility to immediately prepare to provide assistance. An SOS signal is an internationally recognized distress signal indicating that a vessel is in grave danger and requires urgent help. The crew's first instinct should be to acknowledge the distress signal and mobilize resources to coordinate a response.

This includes assessing the situation, determining the best approach to offer help—whether that's sending another vessel, alerting the authorities, or preparing any needed equipment on board for potential rescue operations. Delay in response can lead to dire consequences for those in distress, making it essential for crew members to act quickly and decisively when such a call is made.

Other choices, such as holding a discussion about signals, ignoring additional calls, or turning off communication devices, would hinder any effective emergency response. Crew members must be focused and attentive to ensure maximum efficiency and safety in assisting those in peril at sea.