Bells and gongs are signaling devices typically used by vessels that are...

• A. Anchored
• B. Underway
• C. Aground
• D. Not under command

Answer: (A)

When a vessel is anchored, it’s stationary and must make its presence known to other ships. Bells and gongs provide a clear, audible marker of that fixed position, especially useful at night or in fog or crowded waters. The bell is typically sounded at regular intervals to warn nearby traffic, and a gong may be added in certain conditions to reinforce the signal. This is why anchored vessels routinely use bells and gongs.

Other situations rely on different signals: underway vessels use whistle patterns to indicate maneuvers, and vessels not under command or aground have their own specific sound signals. But the bells and gongs are the classic signals for an anchored vessel.