SOUND SIGNALS (For Onboard Whistles, Horns or Bells)

Sound Producing Devices

In instances of reduced visibility or whenever a boat operator needs to signal their intentions or position, a sound producing device is essential. Navigation rules for meeting head-on, crossing and overtaking situations are examples of when sound signals are required. Sound is one of the most effective ways to communicate on the water.

The sound producing device may be a whistle, horn or bell that is audible for one-half mile. Boats less than 12 meters (39.4 ft.) in length, which includes PWC, are required to carry a whistle or horn or some other means to make an efficient sound to signal intentions or positions.

Boats that are 12 meters (39.4 ft.) or more in length are required to carry onboard a whistle or horn, and a bell.

A quick reference plastic chart of sound signals and other navigation information is available at your local boat equipment supplier. If you are using sound signals be aware that not all boat operators are aware of the meaning of the sound signals. When using sound signals be aware that engine noise, wind and other factors have a direct bearing on a persons ability to hear the direction and which boat the signal is coming from.

The following are excerpts concerning proper sound signals taken from the U.S. Coast Guard Rules of the Road rule 35. A full text of U.S. Coast Guard Rule 35 can be reviewed at the following web page: www.navcen.uscg.gov/mwv/navrules/rules/Rule35.htm

1. One short blast (1 second): Shows an intention to pass on the starboard side of another vessel (right). The same signal is used whether you are passing another vessel bow to bow or you are passing a vessel from their stern. The vessel about to be overtaken shall, if in agreement, sound a similar sound signal. If in doubt the vessel should sound the danger signal. (See number 4 below).

2. Two short blasts: Shows an intention to pass on the port side of another vessel (left). The same signal is used whether you are passing another vessel bow to bow or you are passing a vessel from their stern. The vessel about to be overtaken shall, if in agreement, sound a similar sound signal. If in doubt the vessel should sound the danger signal. (See number 4 below).

3. Three short blasts: Indicates the vessel's engines are going astern (in reverse). This is mainly used on larger vessels with restricted visibility or possible boat traffic passing by the stern. Most large vessels will have a deck hand or a person standing on the stern as a lookout with communications to the operator. Operators of small craft that are following a much larger vessel in a narrow channel or fairway should leave additional distance between them and the stern of a large vessel in case the large vessel starts to go astern.

4. Five or more short and rapid blasts: A danger signal used when the other vessel's intentions are not understood or where the other vessel's indicated course is dangerous. When vessels in sight of each other are approaching, and for whatever reason, either vessel fails to understand the intentions or actions of the other, or is in doubt whether sufficient action is being taken to avoid collision, the vessel in doubt may give at least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle.

5. Prolonged blast (4 to 6 seconds): One prolonged blast is a warning signal (for example, used when exiting a slip or coming around a blind corner). This signal should be answered with a prolonged blast by any approaching vessel that may be within hearing around the bend or behind an intervening obstruction. One prolonged plus two short blasts at intervals of not more than two minutes is the signal used by sailboats under sail alone. If you hear this signal slow and be sure of which vessel is moving. This is especially true if you are in a small boat entering or leaving a marina or dock system where other vessels are restricting your visibility. Always approach waterway intersections and crowded moorage areas with caution. Remember, always be ready to maneuver and have your attention on the operation of your vessel instead of other distractions in your vessel or on shore.

As you can see the use of the signaling device on a vessel has meaning. It should never be used as a toy or to signal friends on shore or sound just for fun. It is a piece of boating safety equipment and should be checked before the vessel is underway to be sure it is in good operating condition.

If necessary to attract the attention of another vessel, any vessel may make light or sound signals that cannot be mistaken for any authorized signal or may direct a searchlight beam in the direction of danger, in such a way as not to embarrass any vessel. Any light used to attract the attention of another vessel cannot not be one that could be mistaken for any aid to navigation. The use of high intensity intermittent or revolving lights, such as strobe lights, should be avoided.

When vessels are not in sight of one another when navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility, every vessel must proceed at a safe speed adapted to the prevailing circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility. A power-driven vessel such as a PWC should have its engines ready for immediate maneuver. A vessel which detects by radar alone the presence of another vessel shall determine if a close-quarters situation is developing or risk of collision exists. If so, the operator must take avoiding action in ample time, provided that when such action consists of an alteration of course, the following should be avoided:

• An alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam, other than for a vessel being overtaken.

• An alteration of course toward a vessel abeam or abaft the beam.