OutdoorNebraska

16 ■ Chapter 3 Sound Signals Sound signals used on the waterways are like the turn light indicators used to signal intentions on the highways. Sound signals are also like an automobile's horn used to let other drivers know you are near or to alert them of danger. Chapter 4 discusses the sound signal equipment requirements for different types of vessels. All boaters should know proper sound signals, especially those boaters operating near commercial vessel traffic. ◆ Sound signals are composed of short and prolonged blasts and must be audible for at least one-half mile: • Short blast—about one second in duration • Prolonged blast—4-6 seconds in duration ◆ Sound signals can communicate a change in direction to other boaters. • One short blast tells other boaters "I intend to pass you on my port (left) side." • Two short blasts tell other boaters "I intend to pass you on my starboard (right) side." • Three short blasts tell other boaters "I am backing up." ◆ Sound signals let other boaters know where you are located during periods of restricted visibility, such as extreme fog. If you hear the fog signal of a vessel you cannot see, slow to a minimum speed until you are sure there is not a risk of collision. • 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 sailing vessels. ◆ Sound signals are used to warn other boaters or alert them to danger. • One prolonged blast is a warning signal (for example, used when coming around a blind bend or leaving the dock). • Five (or more) short, rapid blasts are used to signal danger or to signal that you do not understand or you disagree with the other boater's intentions. U.S. Aids to Navigation System (ATON) Buoys and markers are the "traffic signals" that guide vessel operators safely along some waterways. They also identify dangerous or controlled areas and give direc- tions and information. As a recreational boat or PWC operator, you will need to know the lateral navigation markers and non-lateral markers of the U.S. Aids to Navigation System. Lateral Markers These navigation aids mark the edges of safe water areas; for example, directing travel within a channel. The markers use a combination of colors and numbers, which may appear on either buoys or permanently placed markers. Colors and Numbers The colors and numbers have the same meaning regardless of the kind of buoy or marker on which they appear. ◆ Red Colors, Red Lights, and Even Numbers: These mark the edge of the channel on your starboard (right) side as you enter from the open sea or head upstream. Numbers usually will increase consecutively as you return from the open sea or head upstream. Sound Signals for Encountering Situations Navigation rules include the use of sound signals to communicate with other boaters. • TOOT (one short blast) tells other boaters "I intend to pass you on my port (left) side." • TOOT TOOT (two short blasts) tells other boaters "I intend to pass you on my starboard (right) side." The other vessel will sound the same signal if in agreement with the proposed maneuver. Give-way vessel: signals intent TOOT TOOT Stand-on vessel: signals agreement TOOT TOOT Give way! signals agreement signals intent TOOT TOOT BOATER'S TIP In most circumstances, you can use this phrase as a reminder of the correct course when returning from open waters or heading upstream: "Red Right Returning" Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

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