WHISTLE, HORN, AND BELL (SIGNALING DEVICES)

The navigation rules require sound signals to be made under certain circumstances. Meeting, crossing and overtaking situations described in the Navigation Rules section are examples of when sound signals are required. Recreational vessels are also required to sound signals during periods of reduced visibility. Vessels 39.4 feet/12 meters or more in length are required to carry on board a whistle or horn. The requirement to carry a bell in international waters was recently dropped.

Every vessel, except hand-propelled vessels when on whitewater of less than 40 feet in length, must have on board a sound-producing device for signaling. Such device may be operated by mouth, hand, or power, and it must be able to produce the navigational signals under rules of the road.