Whenever you are on the water, boat safety is the most important thing to keep at top of mind. Understanding the boating sound signals will help to keep you and others safe. You might be a little hesitant to use your air horn due to its loud sound, but keep in mind it very well may prevent an accident!

Below are the five most important sound signals to know:

International RULES OF THE ROAD

Rule 34 (g): when a power driven vessel is leaving a dock or berth, she shall sound one prolonged blast

Rule 32 (c): the term “prolonged blast” means a blast of 46 seconds in duration

Rule 32 (b): the term “short blast” means a blast of about 1 second’s duration

Rule 34 (a) [1]:
1 short blast = I am altering my course to starboard
2 short blast = I am altering my course to port
3 short blasts = I am operating astern propulsion

Rule 34 (d): when vessels in sight of one another are approaching each other and from any cause either vessel fails to understand the intentions or actions of the other, or is in doubt whether sufficient action
Is being taken by the other to avoid collision, the vessel in doubt shall immediately indicate such doubt by giving at least 5 short rapid blasts.

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Royal Navy Yachtmaster, David

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