Professional Military Knowledge Eligibility Exam (PMK-EE) E4 Seamanship Practice Exam

Wind speeds of 39 to 54 mph classify the conditions under a Gale Warning. A Gale Warning is issued when sustained winds of this magnitude are expected to occur, which can be quite hazardous for maritime operations. These wind speeds can create rough seas and dangerous conditions for vessels at sea, as they can lead to increased wave heights and diminished maneuverability.

A Gale Warning is an important alert for mariners, as it indicates that they should take measures to ensure their safety, possibly altering their course or securing their vessels. This warning serves to inform not only commercial shipping but also recreational boating users to exercise caution.

Other types of warnings mentioned, such as Tropical Storm or Hurricane warnings, apply to conditions characterized by higher wind speeds or specific weather systems, and a High Wind Advisory typically pertains to lower wind speeds than what constitutes a Gale Warning.