BCM-04-06-ANY Identify Common Sound Signals Used by Ships and Boats

State the characteristics of a short blast

1 sec : •

State the characteristics of a prolonged blast

4-6 seconds

State function of supplemental light signal

to clarify or replace a vessel's sound signals when visibility is poor or when a sound signal is otherwise unavailable or unclear

Identify common boat sound signal equipment

Bell, gong, whistle, horn, portable signal horn

Identify sound signals for vessels in sight of one another (inland and international)

a. Alteration of course to STBD

b. Alteration of course to PORT

c. Overtaking (STBD AND PORT) and agreement signal

d. Operating astern propulsion

International

a. One short blast

b. Two short blasts

c. STBD: two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast. PORT: two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts. AGREEMENT: one prolonged, one short, one prolonged and one short blast, in that order.

d. Three short blasts

Inland

a. One short

b. Two short

c. STBD: one short, PORT: two short, AGREEMENT: sound a similar sound signal. If in doubt she shall sound the danger signal prescribed in paragraph

d. Three short

Identify the danger signal (inland & international)

Five short Blasts

Identify sound signals for vessels during periods of restricted visibility (Both International & Inland)

a. Underway, making way

b. Underway, not making way

c. One prolonged followed by two short blasts - + +

d. One prolonged followed by three short blasts - + + +

e. At anchor

f. One short, one prolonged, one short blast + - +

International & Inland

a. sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes one prolonged blast.

b. sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes two prolonged blasts in succession with an interval of about 2 seconds between them

c. A vessel not under command, a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver, a vessel constrained by her draft, a sailing vessel, a vessel engaged in fishing and a vessel engaged in towing or pushing another vessel

d. A vessel towed or if more than one vessel is towed the last vessel of the tow, if manned,

e. one prolonged followed by two short blasts.

f. At Anchor, to give warning of her position and of the possibility of collision to an approaching vessel.