It's the Law: Required Equipment for Your Vessel

Sound Producing Devices

All vessels used in Florida must carry an efficient sound producing device. The sound producing device must be audible for at least one-half mile. The requirements are:

• Vessels less than 65.6 feet (20 meters) in length, which includes PWCs, are required to carry a whistle or horn or some other means to make an efficient sound signal to signal intentions, positions, or danger.
• 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.

Sound Signals

Some common sound signals that you should be familiar with as a recreational boater are:

Changing Direction

• One short blast tells other boaters “I intend to turn to my right.”
• Two short blasts tell other boaters “I intend to turn to my left.”
• Three short blasts tell other boaters “I am backing up.”

Restricted Visibility

• One prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes is the signal used by powerboats when underway.
• One prolonged plus two short blasts at intervals of not more than two minutes is the signal used by sailboats under sail alone.

Warning

• One prolonged blast is a warning signal (for example, used when coming around a blind bend or exiting a slip).
• Five (or more) short, rapid blasts are used to signal danger or to signal that you do not understand the other boater’s intentions.