When more than one vessel is being assisted by an icebreaker, distances between vessels should be constant. Which signal should be given by a vessel which is ahead of another and whose speed suddenly begins to drop?

Correct Answer: Option B — A flag hoist consisting of the code figure "5"

Standard international icebreaker signaling procedures dictate that code flag '5' flown by a vessel in an escorted convoy indicates a sudden reduction in speed, alerting following vessels and the lead icebreaker to maintain safe stopping intervals under 46 CFR and international seamanship guidelines.