It's the Law: Required Equipment for Your Vessel
Sound Producing Devices (625 ILCS 45/4-4 and 45/4-8)
On Illinois state waters, all motorized vessels must have a mouth,
hand, or power-operated whistle or other device capable of producing
a blast of two seconds or more duration and audible for at least
one-half mile.
No vessel may be equipped with a siren, except law enforcement
and emergency vessels.
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 tells other boaters “I intend to turn
to my left.”
- Three short blasts tells 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.
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