It's the Law: Required Equipment

Sound-Producing Devices

In periods of reduced visibility or whenever a vessel operator needs to signal his or her intentions or position, a sound-producing device is essential.

• Vessels 16 feet or longer, but less than 26 feet in length, are required to carry a whistle or some other mechanical means (horn) to make a sound.
• Vessels that are 26 feet or more in length are required to carry a whistle or some other mechanical means (horn) to make a sound, and an efficient bell.

Some sound signals that you should be familiar with are:

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 the other boater's intentions.