After a second series of five blasts, the warship fires warning rifle shots into the air approximately 500 yards away. You can hear the reports. What is this communicating and what is the appropriate response?

A. Maintain course — firing warning shots at a civilian vessel in international waters is illegal and must be protested by standing on

B. Warning shots are an act of war — transmit a Mayday and call the Royal Navy

C. The shots may be a military exercise — do nothing until you have visual confirmation

D. The warship regards your vessel as an immediate hazard to its safe navigation — the appropriate response is a large, obvious, immediate course alteration to open the distance, start the engine if not running, and exit the warship's path at maximum speed

A. Sounding fog signals (one prolonged blast every 2 min under engine), maintaining a proper radar/lookout, monitoring Ch 16, and reducing speed to minimum steerage way — all required in or near restricted visibility by COLREGs Rule 19

B. Nothing — fog signals are only required at anchor, not underway

C. Maintaining speed and course — you have right of way as a sailing vessel

D. Displaying a radar reflector is sufficient — no sound signals needed for yachts under 20m

A. Go below and call the Coastguard first before attempting any manoeuvre

B. Identify the vessel on AIS if fitted; check radar; try calling on Ch 16 immediately; assess collision risk by checking if the bearing is changing; prepare to take avoiding action under Rule 19

C. Hold course — you have right of way and the warship must give way

D. Tack immediately and sail away at maximum speed — military vessels always have right of way