It's the Law: Required Equipment

Sound-Producing Devices

These requirements for sound-producing devices apply to vessels operating on Alabama state waters.

• Vessels less than 16 feet long are not required to have a sound-producing device, but it is strongly recommended that these vessels carry a horn or whistle on board.
• Vessels 16 feet to 26 feet long are required to carry on board a whistle or horn or some other means to make an efficient sound signal audible for at least one-half mile.
• Vessels 26 feet to 40 feet long are required to carry on board a whistle or horn or some other means to make an efficient sound signal audible for at least one mile.

These requirements for sound-producing devices apply to vessels operating on federally controlled waters.

• Vessels less than 65.6 feet (20 meters) in length, which includes PWCs, are required to carry on board a whistle or horn or some other means to make an efficient sound signal audible for at least one-half mile.
• Vessels that are 65.6 feet (20 meters) or more in length are required to carry on board a whistle or horn, and a bell that are audible for at least one mile.

Some sound signals that you should be familiar with are as follows.

• Restricted Visibility
  • One prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes is the signal used by power-driven vessels when underway.
  • One prolonged blast plus two short blasts at intervals of not more than two minutes is the signal used by sailboats under sail.
• Warning
  • One prolonged blast is a warning signal (for example, when coming around a blind bend or exiting a slip).
  • Five (or more) short, rapid blasts signal danger or signal that you do not understand or that you disagree with the other boater’s intentions.