When may a bridge-to-bridge transmission be more than 1 watt?

The correct answer indicates that a bridge-to-bridge transmission may exceed 1 watt when broadcasting a distress message and rounding a bend in a river. This scenario is significant because it involves considerations of safety and effective communication in emergency situations.

In cases of distress, the priority is to ensure that the message is received clearly and quickly to facilitate rescue operations or assistance. Rounding a bend in a river can create challenges in ensuring the signal reaches other vessels, making a higher power output necessary to overcome potential obstructions and enhance the likelihood that the transmission will be received without interference due to terrain or obstacles. This aligns with the FCC's focus on maintaining safety on navigable waters.

Other scenarios, while they may involve important communications, such as rounding a bend or calling the Coast Guard alone, do not evoke the same level of urgency and complexity as the combination of distress signaling during navigating a difficult terrain. Therefore, the specifics of the situation justify the need for exceeding the standard power limits in that particular context.