Boat Horn Signals

PTChance

Cadet
Joined
Sep 29, 2007
Messages
6
I'm wondering if anyone knows where online I can find a complete list of boat horn signals. I live near a port and would like to know what the different horns mean.

Thanks,
PTChance
 

CATransplant

Admiral
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
6,319
Re: Boat Horn Signals

Here's one list:

The correct ways of signalling with a horn on inland and coastal waters are as follows:


One short blast ? I am turning starboard side and will leave you to port side.
Two short blasts ? I am turning port side and will leave you to starboard side.
Three short blasts ? I am reversing my engines.
One long blast ? I am now getting underway.
One long blast followed by one short blast ? open the drawbridge please.
Five short blasts ? danger, please move out of the way. Or, don?t do what your signal indicates you are about to do.
 

External Combustion

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 21, 2007
Messages
608
Re: Boat Horn Signals

Fast fingers CATransplant! I figured he might like the pictures also.

Of course there is always the classic text Chapman's Piloting, Seamanship and Small Boat Handling. Available at most bookstores and obtainable at any local library!
 

CATransplant

Admiral
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
6,319
Re: Boat Horn Signals

That said, you'll find that most boaters on fresh water have no idea whatever of those signals.

As a side note, if you need a horn for a small boat that will always be ready and will never run out of air, check this out:

24175.jpg


It's the Attwood Bellow, a mouthblown signal horn that meets USCG requirements. You don't have to blow it hard, and it will blow your mind at how loud it is. About $15, at any boat supply store.

The only caveat is that you can't let it sit filled with water or the diaphragm won't work. I keep mine in a waterproof gear box. Pull that out when the boat cops want to see your horn or whistle and give it a toot. :D
 

PTChance

Cadet
Joined
Sep 29, 2007
Messages
6
Re: Boat Horn Signals

Thank-you !!! I will be saving this for future reference. I will check out the book from the library that is more indepth.
 

PTChance

Cadet
Joined
Sep 29, 2007
Messages
6
Re: Boat Horn Signals

Thank-you ! I will look in the library to learn more.
Thanks Again
 
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