All boaters are required to carry efficient producing devices (whistle, horn, etc.) and use them in certain situations such as crossing, overtaking and restricted visibility. Sound producing equipment can be used to prevent collisions by signaling intentions to other recreational watercraft, and commercial and military vessels. This table shows the various signals and meaning:
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WHISTLE
SIGNAL
Short = a 1 second blast
Prolonged =
a 4 - 6 second blast
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Visibility
- Distance
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Crossing
or Meeting -
Power-driven vessels
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Overtaking
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Other
Situations or Type of Vessel
|
Reply
from other Vessel if in Agreement
|
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1 short
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Clear - within ½ mile
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INLAND - intend to leave you on my port side
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INLAND - I Intend to overtake you on your starboard side
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INTERNATIONAL - I am altering my course to starboard
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1 short
|
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2 short
|
Clear - within ½ mile
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INLAND - intend to leave you on my starboard side
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INLAND - I Intend to overtake you on your port side
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INTERNATIONAL - I am altering my course to port
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2 short
|
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2 Prolonged followed by 1 short blast
|
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INTERNATIONAL - I intend to overtake you on your starboard side
|
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1 prolonged, 1 short, 1 prolonged, 1 short blast, in that order
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2 Prolonged followed by 2 short blasts
|
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INTERNATIONAL - I intend to overtake you on your port side
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1 prolonged, 1 short, 1 prolonged, 1 short blast, in that order
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1
prolonged
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Clear - within ½ mile
|
|
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Leaving
a dock or berth (change of status) or
nearing an obstructed bend
in a river
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1 prolonged if near a obstructed bend
|
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3 short
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Clear - within ½ mile
|
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Operating
astern propulsion
|
|
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1
prolonged sounded at least once every two minutes
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Restricted Visibility
|
|
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Power-driven
vessel underway
|
|
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1
prolonged & 2 short sounded
at least once every two minutes
|
Restricted Visibility
|
|
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Sailing
vessel underway
|
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2
prolonged at least once every two minutes
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Restricted Visibility
|
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Power-driven
vessel underway but
stopped making no way
|
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5 or
more rapid short
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Any Visibility
|
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EMERGENCY
or FAILURE to understand
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