What do fog horn blasts mean?

Asked by: Victoria Parker

5. Blasts, not just in fog, are also used by vessels to indicate a change of course. One short blast indicates that the vessel is altering its course to starboard; two short blasts indicates that it is altering its course to port; and three short blasts indicates that it is going astern.

What does foghorn sound mean?

A foghorn or fog signal is a device that uses sound to warn vehicles of navigational hazards such as rocky coastlines, or boats of the presence of other vessels, in foggy conditions.

What do three blasts of horns 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 a long fog horn mean?

Making way under power: One prolonged foghorn horn blast every two minutes. Under way but not making way: Two long horn blasts at two-minute intervals. Aground – under 100m (328ft): Three bells, rapid ringing, three bells, at one-minute intervals.

What does one prolonged blast every two minutes mean?

One prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes is a signal used by power driven vessels when underway. One prolonged blast, plus 2 short blasts at intervals of not more than two minutes apart, is the signal used by sailing vessels.

What does 4 blasts of a ship horn mean?

prepares to depart the dock the skipper gives four blasts on the horn to alert local boaters they are getting underway.

What does 3 long and 2 short horns mean?

Three short blasts mean ‘I am operating astern. ‘ Two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast to mean ‘I intend to overtake you on your starboard side’; Two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts to mean ‘I intend to over-take you on your port side.

What does 7 blasts on a ship’s horn mean?

a general emergency

There’s also one more signal that very few people will ever hear outside of a drill … Seven Short Horn Blasts followed by One Long Blast – This horn signal indicates a general emergency and will also be accompanied by alarms and visual indicators depending on the ship you are sailing on.

What does it mean when a ship blows its horn 5 times?

5 Short Blasts

This horn signal indicates danger and can be used to communicate potential collision with another vessel.

What immediate action should you take when operating a boat if you hear the fog signal of another?

If you hear the fog signal of a vessel you cannot see, slow to a minimum speed until you are sure there is not a risk of collision. One prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes is the signal used by power-driven vessels when underway.

How many blasts is fog?

5. Blasts, not just in fog, are also used by vessels to indicate a change of course. One short blast indicates that the vessel is altering its course to starboard; two short blasts indicates that it is altering its course to port; and three short blasts indicates that it is going astern.

What action must you take if you hear the fog signal of another vessel and a risk of collision exists?

Unless a risk of collision does not exist, an operator who hears the fog signal of another vessel ahead, is in a close-quarters situation with another vessel ahead, or detects the presence of another vessel by radar must reduce speed to the minimum at which the vessel can be kept on course.