It's the Law: Required Equipment
Sound-Producing Devices 312 IAC 5-13-4
- In periods of reduced visibility or whenever a boat operator needs to signal his or her intentions or position, a sound-producing device is essential. The device may be a whistle, horn, or bell that is audible for one-half mile.
- The following requirements apply to boats operating on Waters of Concurrent Jurisdiction.
- Vessels less than 65.6 feet 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 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 common sound signals that you should be familiar with as a recreational boater 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, used 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.
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