What does 3 honks on a boat mean?
One short blast tells other boaters, “I intend to pass you on my left (port) side.” Two short blasts tell other boaters, “I intend to pass you on my right (starboard) side.” Three short blasts tell other boaters, “I am operating astern propulsion.” For some vessels, this tells other boaters, “I am backing up.”
What does 5 horn blows on a ship mean?
5 Short Blasts This horn signal indicates danger and can be used to communicate potential collision with another vessel.
How do ships pass each other?
Pass “Port to Port” a vessel operating in a river or buoyed channel should with oncoming traffic keep to the starboard (right hand) side. When two vessels are approaching one another head on, they should alter course to starboard (right) and pass as if they were operating in a river or channel.
What is a port sidelight?
Port Sidelight: Arc: Showing an unbroken light over an arc of 112.5° that is visible to other boats approaching from the port (left) side or from head-on.
Why does a cruise ship sound its horn?
The ship’s horns harken back to a day before radios and loudspeakers. They serve as communication with other boats in the area, telling them what the cruise ship is planning to do. Without the horn signals, the risk of a collision would be much greater.
What kind of sound signal do you need on a boat?
The cheat sheet below covers inland sound signals for power-driven vessels. If your boat is less than 39.4 feet long, you are required to carry an efficient sound-producing device, such as a whistle, an air horn, or a bell.
What does a short whistle signal mean on a boat?
A short whistle blast is typically 1 second in duration. One Short Blast: One short blast means you intend to pass a vessel on your port side. Two Short Blasts: Two short blasts signals your intent to pass the vessel on your starboard side.
What does it mean when a boat sounds a short blast?
So when another boat sounds a short blast it means they intend to pass on their port side. Likewise, if your intent is to pass you will use one short blast to indicate your port side. Two blasts to indicate your starboard side. The same signals are needed when overtaking boats as well.
How do you respond to a boat signal?
When a boat signals a proposed maneuver, you need to respond. Reply with the same signal to indicate you have understood their intent. If you are unclear, reply with a danger signal of five or more short blasts so they know you do not understand. They should signal again to clarify.
