You'll Probably Tell Me To Blow It Out My You-Know-What, But...

Did you know there are sound signals (horn blows are what we're talking about here) to be used on the waterways, just like there are turn signals to be used for indicating your intentions on the highways? And no, I'm not blowing smoke.

Sound signals are composed of short (about one second in duration) and prolonged (4 to 6 seconds in duration) blasts and must be audible for at least one-half mile. These signals can communicate a change in direction to other boaters. Three short blasts tell other boaters "I am operating astern propulsion." For some vessels, three short blasts tell other boaters "I am backing up."

Three common situations where boats will come to navigation decisions are (1) when approaching each other head-on, (2) when crossing, and (3) when overtaking other boats.

Head-On Rules. When in doubt, yield right. That will avoid most common problems. If faced with navigation issues (shallow water, for example), pull over to the right as much as possible, shut down, and wait for the other boat to navigate around you in safe water. In tight situations, slow down and judge the safe area to the right. Also use horn signals.

Crossing Rules. When two boats are crossing in front of each other, the boat to the right is considered the Stand-On vessel, and the other boat is considered the Give-Way vessel. The Stand-On vessel is to continue on a straight course, while the Give-Way vessel yields and navigates around the right of the other vessel. Again use horn blows as necessary.

Overtaking Rules. When passing another boat, sound one short horn blast to signal your presence and then give a wide clearance and pass the boat on the right (starboard) if possible. If navigation won't allow passing on the right, then again sound the horn with two short bursts and pass with a wide margin on the left (port). Use caution as boats coming head on may be masked by the forward boat. Don't put yourself in a situation of passing and having to yield to oncoming vessels.

Sound signals also are used during periods of restricted visibility, such as extreme fog, to let other boaters know where you are located. If you hear the fog signal of a vessel you cannot see, slow to a minimum speed until you are sure there is no risk of collision.
     * One prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes is the signal used by power-driven vessels when underway.
     * One prolonged blast, plus two short blasts at intervals of not more than two minutes, is the signal used by sailing vessels.

Sound signals further are used to warn other boaters or alert them to danger. One prolonged blast is a warning signal (for example, used when coming around a blind bend or leaving the dock). Five (or more) short, rapid blasts are used to signal danger or to signal that you do not understand, or that you disagree with the other boater's intentions. If the other vessel sounds the same signal, it means he agrees with the proposed maneuver.

This information recently was brought to my attention by someone who felt he and a friend had been put in a hazardous situation by a fellow boater who failed to use any horn signal to demonstrate his intentions to pass.