If the Watch Officer hears "PAN PAN" spoken three times, what does it signify?

When "PAN PAN" is repeated three times, it signifies an urgency call indicating that there is an urgent situation that is not life-threatening but requires assistance. This is part of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) protocols. The call itself is used to communicate the need for help regarding the safety of a vessel or another entity but does not imply an immediate threat to life, which would require a "MAYDAY" call instead.

In the context of the options provided, while "PAN PAN" does relate to urgent messages, it does not specifically indicate that a navigation warning or a safety message will follow as separate entities; hence, neither of the first two options accurately represents the significance of the repeated "PAN PAN." Therefore, none of the other statements correctly define what the call means or implies when heard; instead, its actual use within maritime communication is about conveying urgency.