Hi, I was wondering why on the coast guard safety list it has an air horn on board but does not say where? At least I've never heard of a specific place. It seams that a horn in the cabin no matter were it is, is not accessible by the captain in an emergency. I think if it's in the cabin, it's like driving a car with the horn in the glove box. I talked to a coast guard aux. person and he had no idea where its supposed to be except saying that his is on the wall of the cabin next to thruway.
Air Horn
- Thread starter seamansg
- Start date
I guess the CG fortunately considers it unnecessary to legislate common sense.
If they really need to tell people a horn should be OUTside the boat, maybe that person doesn't warrant saving or that he probably wouldn't know when to use it...
Interestingly, there is a requirement for a bell mount on boats over a specific size.
If they really need to tell people a horn should be OUTside the boat, maybe that person doesn't warrant saving or that he probably wouldn't know when to use it...
Interestingly, there is a requirement for a bell mount on boats over a specific size.
I am a USCG certified Safety Vessel Examiner and a member of the US Power Squadrons, which has a joint VSC program with the CGAux. There is a requirement for a sound producing device which is sufficient to signal your intentions (turning, backing, etc.) as well as your position in times of reduced visibility (e.g. fog). Boats over 12 meters must have a bell. The requirements do not specifiy what type of sound producing device is needed, just its functionality above. Similarly, the requirement does not specify where you should keep it. Personally, I use and like the air horns. They are portable, easy to keep in the cockpit, easy to use, and quite loud.
It just seems like common sense to keep the horn, VHF, and binoculars at the helm station. Most sailboats,including my own have the primary VHF located at the nav station in the cabin. Because of that, I keep a hand held VHF at the helm station. It's especially handy for contacting bridge tenders, marina people, and nearby boats in close quarters. Anyway, channel 16 should be monitored and if there is no auxiliary speaker on deck, the only alternative to hearing any calls s the hand held device.
I use the airhorn for leaving and entering the Marinia. in most cases it stays in the sink, which is right in arms reach.
It has to be available - and you should be using it when you leave or enter a marina. 
In an emergency situation where you have guests on board and steering and other things going on you may not have a chance to get the horn on deck in a critical situation. Who would responsible. I know they make safety rules for cars why not boats?It has to be available - and you should be using it when you leave or enter a marina.
"Due to the high cost of ammunition, "warning" shots will no longer be fired!" :naughty:
I have read that a "canned air" horn is supposed to be "accessible and readily available when needed"..... this is also the rule I have seen for life jackets when they arent being worn...
this should lead a safety minded person to believe that if it wasnt within direct reach, it should at the very least be within line of sight from your position....
this should lead a safety minded person to believe that if it wasnt within direct reach, it should at the very least be within line of sight from your position....