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Saltwater Suzi and Cap'n Larry's advice for the cash-starved boater
Sound Signals
Sound Signals are used to communicate between boats, to identify or locate navigation marks, communicate between vessels and opening bridges, signaling distress or emergencies, locating vessels in fog or reduced visibility situations.
There are many sources for this information, much of which is more complete and detailed. Among these sources is your Chapman's Piloting, which every boat owner should have. Another source would be either your U.S. Power Squadron courses, or Coast Guard Auxilliary courses. We strongly urge you to make use of these sources.
There are many sources for this information, much of which is more complete and detailed. Among these sources is your Chapman's Piloting, which every boat owner should have. Another source would be either your U.S. Power Squadron courses, or Coast Guard Auxilliary courses. We strongly urge you to make use of these sources.
How is knowing this stuff going to save you any money? Running into another boat can be costly. 'nuff said.
What we are presenting here is more concise and (hopefully) unabridged. We offer a cheat sheet which you can print out and laminate to keep near your helm. This "cheat sheet" does not discharge you from your obligation as Captain of your vessel to learn and understand these sound signals.
As with many of the regulations with which society has to contend, the powers that be make things more complex by having two sets of rules - Inland and International. Your coastal charts usually show the line between inland and International (or offshore). Always know where you are and what applies.
On a P.C.: To copy and print these charts, place your cursor in front of the word INLAND in the first chart. Press and hold the left mouse button while sliding the cursor down through the bottom chart to highlight everything. Then, release the mouse button, and on your keyboard, press and hold Control (CTRL) and press the letter "C". Open your word processor program, open a new document, place your cursor into the document and click. Then press and hold control and press the letter "V". The three tables should appear on your document. You may save and or print.
MAC users operate the same as above but use the Command key in place of the Control Key.
On a P.C.: To copy and print these charts, place your cursor in front of the word INLAND in the first chart. Press and hold the left mouse button while sliding the cursor down through the bottom chart to highlight everything. Then, release the mouse button, and on your keyboard, press and hold Control (CTRL) and press the letter "C". Open your word processor program, open a new document, place your cursor into the document and click. Then press and hold control and press the letter "V". The three tables should appear on your document. You may save and or print.
MAC users operate the same as above but use the Command key in place of the Control Key.
| INLAND | |
| Signal | Meaning |
| • | I propose leaving you on my port side (in a meeting or crossing situation). I propose overtaking you on your starboard side. (In an overtaking situation.) |
| •• | I propose leaving you on my starboard side. (in a meeting or crossing situation). I propose overtaking you on your port side (in an overtaking situation.) |
| ••• | I am operating astern propulsion. |
| ••••• | Warning - I don't understand your intentions. |
| — | Approaching a bend in the channel or leaving berth. |
NOTES:
• indicates a one second blast. — indicates approximately a five second blast.
Inland rules require agreement (by same signal • or ••) before action is taken.
• indicates a one second blast. — indicates approximately a five second blast.
Inland rules require agreement (by same signal • or ••) before action is taken.
| INTERNATIONAL | |
| • | I am altering my course to starboard. |
| • • | I am altering my course to port. |
| • • • | I am operating astern propulsion. |
| — — • | I intend to overtake you on your starboard. |
| — — • • | I intend to overtake you on your port. |
| — • — • | I agree to be overtaken. |
| • • • • • | Warning - I don't understand your intentions |
| — | Approaching a bend or channel |
| RESTRICTED VISIBILITY (both Inland and International) |
|
| — | Power vessel making way |
| — — | Power vessel underway but stopped |
| — • • • | Manned tow |
| • • • • • | Pilot vessel |
| — • • | Not under command, restricted ability to maneuver, constrained by draft, sailing, fishing, towing or pushing, fishing at anchor, or restricted at anchor. |
BRIDGE SIGNALS
A signal to request a drawbridge opening is one prolonged blast followed within three seconds by one short blast. If the bridge tender is able to open immediately he will respond with the same signal. If he cannot, he will respond with five short blasts.
That is the official ruling. However, we have traveled the length of the Intra Coastal Waterway from the Chesapeake to halfway down Florida eight times. (4 up, 4 down) We do not recall ever hearing the sound signals used on a bridge. It seems to have fallen out of practice. The best way is to call them on the VHF. Look at your Waterway Guide to find out what channel the bridges in each state operate on. Always,always, communicate with the bridge tender.
Often, before the drawbridge is begins to close, the bridge tender will sound five short blasts.
A signal to request a drawbridge opening is one prolonged blast followed within three seconds by one short blast. If the bridge tender is able to open immediately he will respond with the same signal. If he cannot, he will respond with five short blasts.
That is the official ruling. However, we have traveled the length of the Intra Coastal Waterway from the Chesapeake to halfway down Florida eight times. (4 up, 4 down) We do not recall ever hearing the sound signals used on a bridge. It seems to have fallen out of practice. The best way is to call them on the VHF. Look at your Waterway Guide to find out what channel the bridges in each state operate on. Always,always, communicate with the bridge tender.
Often, before the drawbridge is begins to close, the bridge tender will sound five short blasts.
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