Please advise: I've read the uscg colregs and unless I'm reading them wrong they require a lot of horn blasts, head on, overtaking, etc. however, I don't do this in practice and no captain I've trained with has ever mentioned it. Thanks
Horn blasts for navigation
- Thread starter Bdkjak2011
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Use of the VHF radio has pretty much replaced the actual use of the horn. If you listen to channel 13, you'll hear commercial captains requesting "one whistle" or "two whistles", depending on which side they will be passing each other. If you hang around a commercial dock, like a ferry terminal, you will hear the horns being used consistently.
You know, in daytime hours it's probably not so important and I am glad we don't just honk and blast every time we pass another boat. My guess is in a tight Chanel where you may be threatening grounding would you need to make a call that may come as a surprise to the oncoming captain. At night, it may be slightly harder to see what's going to happen. You can still communicate via the radio if you get an answer.
Some if these rules, I suspect are for tradition. I sit know what good my little bell is going to do to let a huge cruise ship or barge know my whereabouts. Radios, radar and all this toys are decent to have.
You still have to observe the rules of the road. Know who has priority. If oncoming traffic doesn't know the rules, he probably won't recognize the difference between port or starboard blasts. I think the safe thing to do is make your move earlier than later and always assume the oncoming boat is being driven by an idiot. If it's a barge or commercial ship hail them on channel 13 and ask them for their intentions and kinky let them know your intentions. When all else fails, port to port.
The schmucks in the big power cruisers and wakeboard boats usually have no idea that they are only slightly above a jet ski in priority. Their theory is whoever has more horsepower makes the rules and everyone else should stand down.
Some if these rules, I suspect are for tradition. I sit know what good my little bell is going to do to let a huge cruise ship or barge know my whereabouts. Radios, radar and all this toys are decent to have.
You still have to observe the rules of the road. Know who has priority. If oncoming traffic doesn't know the rules, he probably won't recognize the difference between port or starboard blasts. I think the safe thing to do is make your move earlier than later and always assume the oncoming boat is being driven by an idiot. If it's a barge or commercial ship hail them on channel 13 and ask them for their intentions and kinky let them know your intentions. When all else fails, port to port.
The schmucks in the big power cruisers and wakeboard boats usually have no idea that they are only slightly above a jet ski in priority. Their theory is whoever has more horsepower makes the rules and everyone else should stand down.
I think that
The horn blasts have been pretty well overtaken by use of VHF. But, it certainly is to everyone's benefit to know the various horn signals, just in case the VHF goes belly up. Or for instance you are approaching a bridge, single handing, and the only VHF is mounted in the cabin. Had this happen to me once in of all places, Morgan City, La., which as you can imagine is somewhat congested with boat traffic.
The horn blasts have been pretty well overtaken by use of VHF. But, it certainly is to everyone's benefit to know the various horn signals, just in case the VHF goes belly up. Or for instance you are approaching a bridge, single handing, and the only VHF is mounted in the cabin. Had this happen to me once in of all places, Morgan City, La., which as you can imagine is somewhat congested with boat traffic.
And on the Gulf ICW, you'll here that "One whistle", "two whistle" thing all day. Not so much on the east coast because there simply isn't that much commercial traffic over there, compared to the Gulf ICW.
One other point- since ALL tows have and use AIS, they don't much answer to" Westbound Tow at the Mile xxx" anymore. You pretty much have to use the tows name to get a response.. Good reason for at least an AIS receiver aboard.
And in 4 trips around lately, I've not heard a single horn signal for a bridge- all VHF
One other point- since ALL tows have and use AIS, they don't much answer to" Westbound Tow at the Mile xxx" anymore. You pretty much have to use the tows name to get a response.. Good reason for at least an AIS receiver aboard.
And in 4 trips around lately, I've not heard a single horn signal for a bridge- all VHF
Yes I forgot to mention AiS. If you have a smart phone you can get the Boat beacon app or something similar. I fire up the app when I pull out of the slip. Aside the AIS, you can share your location with someone back home (requires cell service at your end and likely a charger because it uses you battery)
I always have a horn handy.... because you can't assume a nearby boat is monitoring his vhs...(by the time you hail him and he does respond your concerns may be moot).... you can't assume he can see you... and you can't assume he knows your intentions, nor you his.
A simple blast of the horn will get his attention.... and that's all that is really necessary, then you can use hand signals or change direction, whatever, to make him aware of your presence.
VHS radios have been around for a long time, but horns are still a very effective way to communicate quickly, much more that trying to raise someone on the radio to let them know you're going to pass... that may qualify as unnecessary chatter.
A simple blast of the horn will get his attention.... and that's all that is really necessary, then you can use hand signals or change direction, whatever, to make him aware of your presence.
VHS radios have been around for a long time, but horns are still a very effective way to communicate quickly, much more that trying to raise someone on the radio to let them know you're going to pass... that may qualify as unnecessary chatter.
(a) When vessels are in sight of one another, a power-driven vessel underway, when maneuvering as authorized or required by these Rules, shall indicate that maneuver by the following signals on her whistle:
(i) one short blast to mean "I am altering my course to starboard";
(ii) two short blasts to mean "I am altering my course to port";
(iii) three short blasts to mean "I am operating astern propulsion
(a) When power-driven vessels are in sight of one another and meeting or crossing at a distance within half a mile of each other, each vessel underway, when maneuvering as authorized or required by these Rules:
(i) shall indicate that maneuver by the following signals on her whistle:
one short blast to mean "I intend to leave you on my port side";
two short blasts to mean "I intend to leave you on my starboard side";
three short blasts to mean "I am operating astern propulsion".
(ii) upon hearing the one or two blast signal of the other shall, if in agreement, sound the same whistle signal and take the steps necessary to effect a safe passing. If, however, from any cause, the vessel doubts the safety of the proposed maneuver, she shall sound the danger signal specified in paragraph (d) of this Rule and each vessel shall take appropriate precautionary action until a safe passing agreement is made.
(b) Any vessel may supplement the whistle signals prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule by light signals, repeated as appropriate, while the maneuver is being carried out:
(i) these signals shall have the following significance:
one flash to mean "I am altering my course to starboard";
two flashes to mean "I am altering my course to port";
three flashes to mean "I am operating astern propulsion".
(ii) the duration of each flash shall be about one second, the interval between flashes shall be about one second, and the interval between successive signals shall not be less than ten seconds.
(iii) the light used for this signal shall, if fitted, be an all-round white light, visible at a minimum range of 5 miles, and shall comply with the provisions of Annex I to these Regulations.
(b) Any vessel may supplement the whistle signals prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule by light signals:
(i) these signals shall have the following significance:
one flash to mean "I intend to leave you on my port side";
two flashes to mean "I intend to leave you on my starboard side";
three flashes to mean "I am operating astern propulsion".
(ii) the duration of each flash shall be about one second;
(iii) the light used for this signal shall, if fitted, be an all-round white or yellow light, visible at a minimum range of 2 miles, synchronized with the whistle, and shall comply with the provisions of Annex I to these Rules.
(c) When in sight of one another in a narrow channel or fairway:
(i) a vessel intending to overtake another shall in compliance with Rule 9 (e)(i) indicate her intention by the following signals on her whistle:
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 overtake you on your port side"
(ii) the vessel about to be overtaken when acting in accordance with 9(e)(i) shall indicate her agreement by the following signal on her whistle:
one prolonged, one short, one prolonged and one short blast, in that order.
(c) When in sight of one another:
(i) a power-driven vessel intending to overtake another power-driven vessel shall indicate her intention by the following signals on her whistle:
one short blast to mean "I intend to overtake you on your starboard side"
two short blasts to mean "I intend to overtake you on your port side".
(ii) the power-driven vessel about to be overtaken shall, if in agreement, sound a similar signal. If in doubt she shall sound the danger signal prescribed in paragraph (d).
(d) When vessels in sight of one another are approaching each other and from any cause either vessel fails to understand the intentions or actions of the other, or is in doubt whether sufficient action is being taken by the other to avoid collision, the vessel in doubt shall immediately indicate such doubt by giving at least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle. [Such | This] signal may be supplemented by at least five short and rapid flashes.
(e) A vessel nearing a bend or an area of a channel or fairway where other vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction shall sound one prolonged blast. Such signal shall be answered with a prolonged blast by any approaching vessel that may be within hearing around the bend or behind the intervening obstruction.
(f) If whistles are fitted on a vessel at a distance apart of more than 100 meters, one whistle only shall be used for giving maneuvering and warning signals.
(g) When a power-driven vessel is leaving a dock or berth, she shall sound one prolonged blast.
Rule 34 maneuvering and warning signals
(h) A vessel that reaches agreement with another vessel in a head-on, crossing, or overtaking situation, as for example, by using the radiotelephone as prescribed by the Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Act (85 Stat. 164; 33 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.), is not obliged to sound the whistle signals prescribed by this Rule, but may do so. If agreement is not reached, then whistle signals shall be exchanged in a timely manner and shall prevail.
(i) one short blast to mean "I am altering my course to starboard";
(ii) two short blasts to mean "I am altering my course to port";
(iii) three short blasts to mean "I am operating astern propulsion
(a) When power-driven vessels are in sight of one another and meeting or crossing at a distance within half a mile of each other, each vessel underway, when maneuvering as authorized or required by these Rules:
(i) shall indicate that maneuver by the following signals on her whistle:
one short blast to mean "I intend to leave you on my port side";
two short blasts to mean "I intend to leave you on my starboard side";
three short blasts to mean "I am operating astern propulsion".
(ii) upon hearing the one or two blast signal of the other shall, if in agreement, sound the same whistle signal and take the steps necessary to effect a safe passing. If, however, from any cause, the vessel doubts the safety of the proposed maneuver, she shall sound the danger signal specified in paragraph (d) of this Rule and each vessel shall take appropriate precautionary action until a safe passing agreement is made.
(b) Any vessel may supplement the whistle signals prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule by light signals, repeated as appropriate, while the maneuver is being carried out:
(i) these signals shall have the following significance:
one flash to mean "I am altering my course to starboard";
two flashes to mean "I am altering my course to port";
three flashes to mean "I am operating astern propulsion".
(ii) the duration of each flash shall be about one second, the interval between flashes shall be about one second, and the interval between successive signals shall not be less than ten seconds.
(iii) the light used for this signal shall, if fitted, be an all-round white light, visible at a minimum range of 5 miles, and shall comply with the provisions of Annex I to these Regulations.
(b) Any vessel may supplement the whistle signals prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule by light signals:
(i) these signals shall have the following significance:
one flash to mean "I intend to leave you on my port side";
two flashes to mean "I intend to leave you on my starboard side";
three flashes to mean "I am operating astern propulsion".
(ii) the duration of each flash shall be about one second;
(iii) the light used for this signal shall, if fitted, be an all-round white or yellow light, visible at a minimum range of 2 miles, synchronized with the whistle, and shall comply with the provisions of Annex I to these Rules.
(c) When in sight of one another in a narrow channel or fairway:
(i) a vessel intending to overtake another shall in compliance with Rule 9 (e)(i) indicate her intention by the following signals on her whistle:
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 overtake you on your port side"
(ii) the vessel about to be overtaken when acting in accordance with 9(e)(i) shall indicate her agreement by the following signal on her whistle:
one prolonged, one short, one prolonged and one short blast, in that order.
(c) When in sight of one another:
(i) a power-driven vessel intending to overtake another power-driven vessel shall indicate her intention by the following signals on her whistle:
one short blast to mean "I intend to overtake you on your starboard side"
two short blasts to mean "I intend to overtake you on your port side".
(ii) the power-driven vessel about to be overtaken shall, if in agreement, sound a similar signal. If in doubt she shall sound the danger signal prescribed in paragraph (d).
(d) When vessels in sight of one another are approaching each other and from any cause either vessel fails to understand the intentions or actions of the other, or is in doubt whether sufficient action is being taken by the other to avoid collision, the vessel in doubt shall immediately indicate such doubt by giving at least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle. [Such | This] signal may be supplemented by at least five short and rapid flashes.
(e) A vessel nearing a bend or an area of a channel or fairway where other vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction shall sound one prolonged blast. Such signal shall be answered with a prolonged blast by any approaching vessel that may be within hearing around the bend or behind the intervening obstruction.
(f) If whistles are fitted on a vessel at a distance apart of more than 100 meters, one whistle only shall be used for giving maneuvering and warning signals.
(g) When a power-driven vessel is leaving a dock or berth, she shall sound one prolonged blast.
Rule 34 maneuvering and warning signals
(h) A vessel that reaches agreement with another vessel in a head-on, crossing, or overtaking situation, as for example, by using the radiotelephone as prescribed by the Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Act (85 Stat. 164; 33 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.), is not obliged to sound the whistle signals prescribed by this Rule, but may do so. If agreement is not reached, then whistle signals shall be exchanged in a timely manner and shall prevail.
Commercial Traffic
I have a slip in one of the busiest ports in the USA. Rarely a horn except when a large vessel is getting underway. None from the zillion work boats or ferries. Good thing too, it would make everyone nuts. Most ROW communication by radio. This is a Vessel Traffic controlled area but that has only a small part of ROW conflicts. I think if I were to use a horn in the stated fashion, I would be flipped off or shot at
I have a slip in one of the busiest ports in the USA. Rarely a horn except when a large vessel is getting underway. None from the zillion work boats or ferries. Good thing too, it would make everyone nuts. Most ROW communication by radio. This is a Vessel Traffic controlled area but that has only a small part of ROW conflicts. I think if I were to use a horn in the stated fashion, I would be flipped off or shot at
Sometimes, though, it is a part of good boating etiquette. On the ICW, a boat overtaking another boat will usually radio the boat ahead and request a "slow pass". The leading boat will slow down and allow the passing boat to proceed with a minimum wake, making for a pleasant trip for everyone. All bets are off on the weekends, though, when the idiot in the flybridge cruiser blasts up the middle of the channel, knocking everyone's lunch onto the cabin sole.
I'm all for that.... I rarely USE my horn.... I just wanted to emphasize that keeping a horn nearby for an emergency where you want to get someone's attention quickly is not the same as tooting every time you turn the boat, enter a channel or hail a bridge tender.
It is also my experience that not all recreational boaters closely monitor their VHS radio much less even bother to let anyone know their intentions... so in these cases, just like driving a car, a blast on the horn is the most efficient way to get their attention. So...if I offend someone with my horn because I think they aren't being courteous or paying attention to my attempts to hail them... so be it... it's better than a collision.
While I agree that most signals these days are given by VHF, I always keep a horn handy when sailing and I know the correct signals. On a few occasions, I noted that VHF radio calls can often be ignored or not heard. A horn, on the other hand, always gets the required attention. For example, I recently had to contact a construction barge that is being used to replace some docks in my marina. Upon my return to the fairway that day, the barge and its tug were diagonally blocking the channel into my slip. I tried twice to contact them via VHF, but they either did not have their VHF on (if they had one) or the noise they were creating with a pile driver prevented them from hearing my calls. When I signaled them with my horn, they knew immediately that I needed to get by and moved the tug enough for me to safely slip my their stern.
Now that's funny! Based on all of the great responses, it seams I'm caught in another pickle between authorities attempt to turn a world made of shades of grey into to a simplified list of "black and white"rules. Thanks all!
Thank you, thank you. I'll be here all week.
Perhaps Ron will drop back in with "authoritative" revelations on the subject?
Unless I was correct, of course.
Perhaps Ron will drop back in with "authoritative" revelations on the subject?
Unless I was correct, of course.
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