For emergency communications, vessels operating on oceans, coastwise, or Great Lakes routes, on runs of more than 30 minutes shall carry in a portable watertight container at or near the operating station __________. (small passenger vessel regulations)

Correct Answer: Option D — six red hand flare distress signals and six orange hand smoke distress signals

46 CFR 180.68 mandates that small passenger vessels on these routes carry a specific inventory of visual distress signals. The requirement for six red hand flares and six orange hand smoke signals ensures that operators have sufficient means to signal for assistance during both day and night emergencies.