sailboat is underway in the fog sound signal

A Sailboat Is Underway In The Fog. What Sound Signal Should You Hear?

Boating in times of restricted visibility is dangerous, it can cause accidents or can cause the driver or operator to hit a rock or any harmful object . For this reason, there are lots of restrictions for boaters during restricted visibility. Times of restricted visibility include during fog or at night, there are various signals used to alert operators that a boat or a ship is ahead.

Safety signals have been developed to ensure safety in these situations, they’re sound and light signals you have to rely on in order to drive safely to your destination. Knowing the signals will help minimize lots of accidents and that’s why we’re going to share signals used during times of restricted visibility such as fog .

What Is A Restricted View?

Restricted view doesn’t mean an object has blocked your sight completely, when it comes to boating it means you’re not able to see or be seen clearly.

In other words, it’s difficult to see other boats or ships, and they won’t be able to see you coming as well. You’re also not able to see objects like rocks in front of you, you’ll experience restricted view for basically two reasons;

Poor weather/Fog ; When the rainstorms or there is a fog and mist, you’ll experience restricted visibility. Bad weather is the cause of poor visibility during the day, hence it’s necessary to check the weather forecast before setting out on the water.

A lot of accidents are caused by the weather because drivers and operators can’t see clearly what is ahead of them. It’s better to postpone your trip when the weather isn’t good.

Night ; This is another factor that leads to restricted visibility, you’ll end up not seeing anything during the night or at sunrise.

Normally, no one will plan their trip in the night, but one might be caught when they experience technical problems on their boats such as when having battery or engine failure.

Extra care needs to be taken in such situations before returning home or at the dock. You’ll end up facing a lot of obstacles at night.

Rules For Operating During Restricted Visibility

• All boats/vessels must move at a safe speed; No speeding in times of restricted visibility, every vessel should be ready to maneuver when the weather changes.
• Unless there isn’t any risk of collision, if the driver/operator hears a sound or fog signal but can’t see the vessel ahead, they must stop or reduce the speed to a bare minimum in order to avoid a collision.

These Are Some Of The General Rules That Apply During Restricted Visibility.

When A Sailboat Is Underway In The Fog, What Sound Signal Should You Hear?

There are both sound and light signals sent when there is restricted visibility and each has a code, let’s take a look at them and the rules that govern them as well.

Sound Signals When Fog Is Underway

• For every two minutes, power-driven boats are required to send one prolonged blast.
• Sailing boats should use one prolonged blast, followed by 2-short blasts every 2-minutes.
• When a power drive vessel stops, it needs to send 2-prolonged blasts every two minutes.
• A vessel tied to anchor should blast 5 rapid bell strokes every one minute.
• A manned towed vessel should send a 1-prolonged blast with 3-short blasts every two minutes.

Types Of Sound Signals To Send When Fog Is Underway

Basically, you can make a sound on a boat using three different tools and there are conditions for each. Let’s take a look at these sound tools, when and how they should be used to send a signal when fog is underway;

• Horn/Whistle ; It’s suited for larger vessels, horn blast should be heard within the range of 1.5 to 2-nautical miles away, it should be registered at 143-decibels. It is supposed to be mounted on the highest point of a boat; it also shouldn’t be placed in a way that it can cause damage.
• The Bell ; It’s another tool used to send a signal when fog is underway. It’s required that the diameter of the bell should be at least 300mm for boats that have a length more than 20 meters, and 200mm for boats with a length between 12-20 meters. The striker, on the other hand, should be 3% of the total mass of the bell. It’s preferred to be ringed manually but can as well operate under power.
• Gong ; A Gong has to be corrosion resistant; The sound should be clear and has to be different from that of a bell. There are different sound devices out there that can make sounds similar to these devices, they can be used as well.

Light Signals When Fog Is Underway Or If There Is A Restricted Visibility

• When the boat approaching your vessel’s starboard side has a red portlight, it is indicating you’re in a danger zone and it means you should approach further.
• When there is a green light, it means you’re on the right way.
• A vessel that doesn’t have a masthead light means it’s not a power-driven boat.
• If a vessel is towed, it’s under the control of another boat, it will have the right of the powerboat driving it.
• If the light isn’t visible under heavy rain or fog, the light will not be useful in such a case, sound signals must be used instead. In such a situation it’s advised to reduce the speed to a minimum and when you hear a sound you should stay idle.

Different Lights On A Boat

• Masthead lights ; it’s a white light shining forward and on the sides of the vessel, all power-driven vessels should have this light display on them.
• Stern light ; it’s also a white light that can be seen from the rear.
• Sidelights . They’re mounted on both sides of the vessel and each side has a different color, it’s a green light on the vessel’s starboard and a red light on the vessel’s port side.
• All-round light ; it’s used by power vessels that are less than 39.4 feet, it combines both stern light and masthead light. The result of the combination is to produce a strong white light that can be seen from all sides of the boat. It’s used as an anchor light when the sidelights aren’t working.

Ever wondered how you can have a cruising boat without getting into financial problems? The answer is here. That is the reason why we set up this blog to share with you, safety tips, answers to questions that have to do with fishing and hunting. You are going to love it!

Hey! I am Armstrong!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Boating Basics Online is reader-supported. When you buy via our links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Learn more

A Sailboat is Underway in the Fog. What Sound Signal Should You Hear

Written by J. Harvey / Fact checked by S. Numbers

Consider this scenario: You’re sailing along in open waters with minimal visibility (i.e. restricted view). Soon enough, your instincts start wondering “a sailboat is underway in the fog. What sound signal should you hear?”

Assuming the one captaining the vessel is familiar with boating in fog signals, he or she should:

• Sound one prolonged blast plus two short blasts every two minutes lasting from four up to six seconds. These should be produced in intervals of at most two minutes.
• If the sailboat is motor-driven, the captain should sound one prolonged blast every two minutes or with the same interval as above.

Table of Contents

What is Restricted View? Rules for Operating

How to prepare for fog while boating, list of sounds and their meanings, common sounds, sounds to communicate with fellow boaters, sounds to make your location known, other signals.

It’s an instance when various factors limit your view or ability to be seen any time you’re out sailing. It can be due to natural factors like weather conditions that bring plenty of rain and fog. Other vessels and even structures, natural or artificial, can affect it, too.

Knowing what to do during restricted visibility environments only ensures your safety. It’s not just about knowing what to hear when a powerboat is underway in the fog, but being familiar with a whole lot of regulations as outlined in COLREGS (Collision Regulations).

COLREGS rules when operating in conditions of reduced visibility can be summed up as follows:

• Boats must always operate at an appropriate speed based on the present conditions and limited visibility.
• Once you’ve detected another watercraft by radar, the first instinct should always be to evade it without delay.
• When complying with navigation rules, vessel operators must always factor in, if not prioritize, the specific conditions brought about by restricted view.
• Motor-powered vessels must always be ready to perform the necessary maneuver to avoid collisions. That answers the question, “What immediate action should you take?” if your boat belongs to that category.
• Once you hear the horn signal of the other vessel or can’t avoid coming near the vessel forwards of the boat’s beam, the first course of action should always be to decrease speed up to the minimum allowable to keep the vessel on course.
• Alter course to starboard for vessels forward of the beam; the same applies to vessels abeam or abaft the beam on the port quarter. Change course to port for boats abeam or abaft the beam on the starboard quarter.
• Certain evading actions are discouraged, such as altering course to port for a boat “forwards of the beam”, except if the intent is to overtake. The same goes for maneuvers towards a boat “abeam or abaft the beam”.
• Unless you’ve ascertained that there’s no longer any risk of collision with another vessel, always exercise extreme caution.

Besides learning horn signals for boats and standard procedures during limited visibility situations, it won’t hurt to be a few extra steps ahead to anticipate foggy conditions every time you take your boat out.

Here are a few strategies a lot of experienced skippers can attest to:

• Don’t be a speed demon as much as possible. Be open to stopping and anchoring anywhere and any time should the need arise (i.e. the fog gets too thick).
• Always check the weather forecast. Be mindful of how serious the possible fog conditions will be.
• Find the right crew to work with and instill in them the mindset that they should be ready to assist you during difficult and emergency situations. Having someone check how thick the fog is getting regularly is already a big help.
• Always inspect your boat’s safety equipment, especially the navigational lights and horns, before embarking. I can say the same for the electronics and emergency kits you bring along.
• When visibility is restricted due to fog, a GPS can be a literal godsend. Having a digital map of the immediate area and being able to know where your boat is currently, all available on a nifty screen, is hard to top.

It has definitely spared me from becoming my (usual) bundle of nerves if I find myself in extra-dense fog. Want proof? Here’s a video of Capt. Scott saying nice things about this helpful tool:

• Last but not least, always take the time to familiarize yourself with your boat. Know its capabilities and limitations, especially when making safety maneuvers during restricted-visibility conditions.

Besides the sailboat underway in fog signal mentioned here, you should also learn all the other sound signals that apply to restricted visibility:

• One prolonged blast every 2 minutes

This means, “I’m moving!” and is made by a motor-driven vessel underway and moving through the water.

• Two prolonged horn blasts in succession with 2-second intervals every 2 minutes

The boat is underway but not progressing through the water. It simply announces its presence but not necessarily moving.

• One long horn blast followed by three short ones every 2 minutes.

This means, “I’m being towed!” so you have to steer clear of the boat.

• One prolonged blast and two short ones.

The boat cannot move, whether due to circumstances beyond its control (such as broken engines) or the work it’s doing (e.g. mine clearance, servicing pipelines).

• Bell rings for five seconds every minute.

This means, “I’m anchored!”. Generally used to warn other boats that the vessel is not moving.

Based on the pattern of the sound signals for boats as explained above, there are technically only two commonly-used sounds involved when warning other vessels: a short blast that typically lasts no more than a second and a long one that can last between 4 to 6 seconds.

There are other boating sound signals that aren’t necessarily related to restricted visibility. These include the following:

• I’m changing my direction to starboard.

This is communicated with one short blast.

• I’m changing my direction to port.

Vessels emit two short blasts for this.

• I’m reversing.

You’ll hear three short blasts if the vessel is applying astern propulsion.

• I’m in danger.

When you hear 5 short blasts from another vessel’s horn, this typically connotes trouble. You can also use that sound pattern to say that you don’t understand or don’t agree with a vessel’s course of action.

• Three separate bell strokes before or after rapid ringing.

This means, “I’m aground!”. Used to warn nearby vessels.

• Two long whistle blasts followed by one short one

This means the vessel plans to overtake another boat on the latter’s starboard side.

• Two long whistle blasts followed by two short ones

This means the watercraft intends to overtake another boat on the latter’s port side.

Besides sound signals, you can also use flags, flares, radio signals, hand signals, and emergency beacons to communicate with other boat operators. However, as is obvious from their purpose and design, all of these are used to convey that you are in distress and need aid.

Good examples include:

• Standard “mayday” and SOS codes sent via radio
• An orange flare during the day or a red flare held by hand during nighttime
• Raising and lowering your sideward outstretched arms

Fog will inevitably make any boater’s life difficult. But I can always argue that being able to overcome them is what makes boating more memorable and gratifying.

I hope that you now have a good inkling of what to expect if a sailboat is underway in the fog. What sound signal should you hear again? One prolonged blast followed by two short ones or one long blast every two minutes for sailing or motor-driven vessels, respectively.

Don’t stop there, though. Go all the way and learn every sound signal and other distress signs you need to make to ensure your safety.

“My intention from the first day establishing Boating Basics Online is to provide as much help as possible for boaters who want to experience a first safe and convenient trip. So feel free to join us and share your beautiful journeys to the sea!”

Navigation Sounds

Just as lights play a significant role in understanding what other boats are doing, so do sounds. understanding what you hear is another step towards being a "complete mariner". virtually every boat is required to have some sound producing device. there is a great deal of latitude in what type of sound making device you choose, but loud is good, legal requirements.

Equipment for Sound Signals is based on the length of your boat as follows.

• Boats less than 39.4 feet in length - must carry an efficient sound producing device. In general, this may be a bell, whistle, or air horn. Though guns--even pots and pans--can make a suitable sound signal useful in getting attention in an emergency, you should always carry the appropriate equipment.
• Boats at least 39.4 feet to less than 65.6 feet in length - Must carry a whistle and a bell. The whistle must be audible for 1/2 nautical mile. The mouth of the bell must be at least 7.87 inches in diameter.

When and How to Sound Off

Sound signals are to be used only when vessels are in sight of each other and are meeting or crossing at a distance within half a mile of each other. These signals must never be used in fog or other conditions of reduced visibility, where the vessels are not visible to each other by eye. Only the fog signals listed under the Inland Rules, Rule 35 may be sounded at such time.

Sound signals are called "blasts". There are two different blasts used for warning and steering signals.

• Short Blast - Lasts about one second.
• Prolonged Blast - Lasts from four to six seconds.

Maneuvering Signals

There are different blasts combinations for various movements on the water that may use both short and prolonged blasts. When power-driven vessels are in sight of one another and meeting or crossing at a distance within half a mile of each other, each vessel underway, when maneuvering as authorized or required by the Inland rules must use the following sound signals.

• One Short Blast - This means "I intend to leave you on MY port side". When you pass near another boat, you will manuever by leaving them on your left side as you pass. If you are behind another boat, going the same direction and about to overtake it, one short blast means: "I intend to pass you on YOUR starboard side, MY port side".
• One Prolonged Blast - This means you are leaving a dock or departing your slip. It signals to others a change in status and that you are getting underway. A prolonged blast is also sounded when a vessel is approaching a bend in a river where vessels coming from another direction cannot be seen. It is sometimes referred to as the “blind bend signal".
• Two Short Blasts - This means "I intend to leave you on MY starboard side". When you pass near another boat, you will manuever by leaving them on your right side as you pass. If you are behind another boat, going the same direction and about to overtake it, two short blasts means: "I intend to pass you on YOUR port side, MY starboard side."
• Three Short Blasts - This means you are operating in astern propulsion, for example backing away from a dock
• One Prolonged Blast + Three Short Blasts – This is technically two different signals in succession. One prolonged blast indicates you are getting under way, and three short blasts indicate you are backing up. This is what is sounded when you are departing a dock in reverse.
• Five Short Blasts - This is the DANGER signal. Remember, that when you approach another vessel and hear either one or two short blasts, and you both understand their signal and can safely let them do it, then you are required to respond with the same signal in response. However, if you don't understand their intentions, or feel that their proposed maneuver is dangerous to either vessel, then you are required to sound the DANGER signal.

Note: Inland Rules regarding sound signals are occasionally different from International Rules. Inland Rules signal intended action and International Rules signal what you are actually doing. The following information reflects Inland Rules. If you travel overseas, you must learn the International Rules.

Proper Sound Signals

Passing port to port.

When you meet an oncoming vessel, and wish to pass port to port, you are required to sound one short blast with your horn. If the other boat is in agreement, they should respond with a similar blast.

Passing Starboard to Starboard

If you approach another vessel head on, and wish to pass it on its starboard side, you are required to sound two short blasts with your horn. If the other vessel is in agreement, they should sound the same signal in response.

Overtaking on Portside

When you are planning on passing another vessel from behind, there are several things you must do. Any vessel that is overtaking another must keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken. This means that you can't expect them to move, slow down, or change their course. If you plan on passing them on THEIR starboard side, you must sound one short blast. If they understand your signal and agree, they will sound one short blast in response. The vessel being overtaken has a responsibility to maintain course and speed in order to minimize the potential for collision.

Overtaking on Starboard

When you are planning on passing another vessel from behind, there are several things you must do. Any vessel that is overtaking another must keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken. This means that you can't expect them to move, slow down, or change their course. If you plan on passing them on THEIR PORT side, you must sound two short blasts. If they understand your signal and agree, they will sound two short blasts in response. The vessel being overtaken has a responsibility to maintain course and speed in order to minimize the potential for collision.

Note: These are not the only rules concerning sound signals in restricted visibility; there are additional rules concerning sound signals that may be found in the Rules of the Road or in Chapman's Piloting.

• Inshore Fishing
• Offshore Fishing

Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility and Rule 35

So Caribbean you can almost Taste the Rum!

Fog, mist, falling snow, heavy rainstorms, sandstorms or any other similar causes can make conditions that hamper visibility. Sound signals for vessels in restricted visibility, whether underway, at anchor or aground, day or night, are the subject of Rule 35 ( COLREGS ). The bell and gong are added into the mix of whistle sounds used as options for restricted visibility signals. Rule 35 is fairly complex, and it is advised to have a highlighter in hand while reading through it.

The Rules of the Road state when underway ‘vessels shall sound at intervals of not more than two minutes’ the prescribed sound signal.

Why a two minute rule? A requirement for all vessels is to maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing. In restricted visibility, the two minutes allows the look-out to listen for sound signals from other vessels groping their way through the fog. COLREGS lists the following sound signals for vessels underway:

• A power-driven vessel making way shall sound one prolonged blast.
• A power-driven vessel underway but stopped shall sound two prolonged blasts.
• A pilot vessel , engaged in pilotage duty, may also sound four short blasts in addition to the sound signals required by a power-driven vessel.
• Vessels that are encumbered , due to their maneuverability or their ranking in the hierarchy of responsibilities between vessels in Rule 18, shall sound one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts. These encumbered vessels are those not under command, restricted in their ability maneuver due to their work, constrained by draft, sailing , engaged in commercial fishing and towing or pushing another vessel.

It ain't like we are getting married...

• If a vessel being towed is manned, that tow or barge shall sound one prolonged blast followed by three short blasts. The tug itself first sounds its own signal for an encumbered vessel, and if possible, the manned tow sounds its own signal immediately after.
• While at anchor , ringing the ship’s bell rapidly for about five seconds at intervals of no more than one minute is the primary sound signal for smaller vessels.
• Larger vessels, those 100m (328ft) or more in length, also use a gong.

For these large yachts and ships, the bell is rapidly sounded from the foredeck, and immediately followed by the gong sounded rapidly from the afterdeck, both for about five seconds.

• In addition, any vessel at anchor can also sound one short, one prolonged and one short blasts as a collision avoidance warning.

There are two classes of working vessels that do not use the bell and gong signals while at anchor.

Commercial fishing boats that are fishing while at anchor, and vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver that are carrying out their work while at anchor must use the encumbered vessel sound signal of one prolonged and two short blasts.

• If aground , a vessel shall give the bell signal and if required the (at anchor) gong signal prescribed … and shall, in addition, give three separate and distinct strokes on the bell immediately before and after the rapid ringing of the bell.

To further finesse Rule 35, The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (IRPCS), doesn’t oblige the bell signals to be used at anchor and when aground for vessels 12m (39ft) or more, but less than 20m (65.6ft) in length. Instead, she shall make some other efficient sound signal at intervals of not more than two minutes.

Vessels less than 12m LOA are NOT required to use any of the sound signals required for vessels in restricted visibility. They also can make some other efficient sound signal at intervals of not more than two minutes.

With the large number of sound signals available for use in restricted visibility, remembering all the possibilities can be difficult. Trying to quickly look up a sound signal heard in the fog by turning to Rule 35 in COLREGS can be a bit of a challenge.

A good alternative is to use one of the many laminated visual shorthand versions of COLREGS sold at ship chandleries.

For sound signals, a Morse code dot represents the short blast of about one-second duration. And a Morse code dash represents the prolonged blast of four to six seconds long.

Here’s the link to reference the Related, Rule 34 describing maneuvering and warning for powered vessels underweigh in international waters

If you like this, you’ll love:

• Why do Yachts and Ships have Whistles Bells and Gongs?
• Much Maligned Rays Part III

You know you want to...

Related articles.

Uncrowded Paradise: 10 Reasons the Bay Islands Should Be Your Next...

Leaving Her

Living on a Boat: Lessons Learned from a Lifetime at Sea

No comments, leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Download ALL AT SEA
• Subscribe to All At Sea
• Advertising – All At Sea – Caribbean

Service Locator

• Angler Endorsement
• Boat Towing Coverage
• Mechanical Breakdown
• Insurance Requirements in Mexico
• Agreed Hull Value
• Actual Cash Value
• Liability Only
• Insurance Payment Options
• Claims Information
• Towing Service Agreement
• Membership Plans
• Boat Show Tickets
• BoatUS Boats For Sale
• Membership Payment Options
• Consumer Affairs
• Boat Documentation Requirements
• Installation Instructions
• Shipping & Handling Information
• Contact Boat Lettering
• End User Agreement
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Vessel Documentation
• BoatUS Foundation
• Government Affairs
• Powercruisers
• Buying & Selling Advice
• Maintenance
• Tow Vehicles
• Make & Create
• Makeovers & Refitting
• Accessories
• Electronics
• Skills, Tips, Tools
• Spring Preparation
• Winterization
• Boaters’ Rights
• Environment & Clean Water
• Boat Safety
• Navigational Hazards
• Personal Safety
• Batteries & Onboard Power
• Motors, Engines, Propulsion
• Books & Movies
• Communication & Etiquette
• Contests & Sweepstakes
• Colleges & Tech Schools
• Food, Drink, Entertainment
• New To Boating
• Travel & Destinations
• Watersports
• Anchors & Anchoring
• Boat Handling
• ← Seamanship

Boat Sound Signals: Time To Sound Off

Advertisement

When caught in a situation with restricted visibility, you'll need know how to let others know where you're located — and interpret where they are.

Photo: Stacey Nedrow-Wigmore

While the term "restricted visibility" may sound like there's something in your path that obstructs or blocks the view of where you're going, in maritime terms, it describes not only a situation where an operator can't see hazards in their path and around them, but also one that prevents your boat from being seen by others. Two common examples of this would be operating a vessel at night or during inclement weather. But restricted visibility can also occur due to unusual circumstances, such as dust storms or even smoke from nearby forest fires.

Boats need to be aware of each other's position at all times to operate safely, which is why adherence to navigational rules (such as the proper display of lights and use of sound signals) during periods of restricted visibility is so crucial.

Similar to the visual information provided by navigational lighting, sound signals provide an audible means of conveying your intentions, while also helping you understand what other boats around you are doing. This is especially important in situations of restricted visibility, such as fog, heavy rain, or when transiting areas where a vessel operator may experience limited visibility due to physical characteristics (a sharp bend in a narrow river, for example). In situations like these the effectiveness of navigation lights may be reduced or eliminated altogether.

Inland Vs. International

In some cases, the sound signals for International Rules may differ slightly from those described in the Inland Rules (the focus of this article). If traveling overseas, be sure to consult and familiarize yourself with the International Rules beforehand as provided in the Navigation Rules. While every boat owner should have sound-signal information on board for quick reference, a printed copy of the Navigation Rules is mandatory for vessels over 12 meters (39.4 feet) in length.

Sound-Producing Devices And Characteristics

Sound signals are described as "blasts," of which there are two types: A "short blast" means a blast of about 1 second, while a "prolonged blast" is 4 to 6 seconds.

The word "whistle" is defined in the Navigation Rules as any sound-signaling device capable of producing the required blasts as described by Annex III of the Rules. While Annex III provides the technical details of what constitutes a proper blast (such as frequencies and intensity) a simple interpretation for most recreational boaters would be how far the blast can be heard. For example, the minimum audibility range for a whistle or horn (both can be used interchangeably) required for a vessel 20 meters (65.6 feet), but less than 75 meters (246 feet) in length is 1 nautical mile. The minimum range for a vessel 12 meters (39.4 feet), but less than 20 meters is .5 nautical miles.

Most every vessel is required to carry some form of sound-producing device, and even those that are not would do well to have one on board, regardless of mandated carriage requirements.

That said, the Navigation Rules state a vessel 12 meters or more in length shall be provided with a whistle and a bell. Vessels of 100 meters or more in length shall additionally carry a gong, the tone and sound of which cannot be confused with that of the bell. The bell and gong may be replaced by equipment having the same respective sound characteristics, provided that manual sounding of the prescribed signals is always possible. An example of this would be an electronic loud hailer system that can generate the required sounds.

Acceptable sound-producing devices on board a boat can ­include an air horn, bell, or whistle, depending on the boat. (Photos: Air horn: Getty Images/gabrieletamborrelli; Bell: Getty Images/Yury Karamanenko)

Vessels less than 12 meters in length are required only to carry an "efficient" sound-producing device, such as a bell, air horn, or whistle. While banging on that galley pot may technically qualify as meeting the letter of the law, do yourself (and everyone else) a favor and carry an appropriate a sound-producing device. As the goal here is to be heard, ditch that wimpy horn and get one that makes the other boats think the Queen Mary is headed their way!

Sound Signals During Restricted Visibility

The below summary focuses on sound signals applicable for recreational vessels during restricted visibility. Keep in mind, however, that vessels engaged in other activities (towing, for example) will often have different or additional sound signal requirements and that sometimes variations may apply. When in doubt, always refer to the Navigation Rules .

• Power vessels making way through the water must sound one prolonged blast at not more than 2 minute intervals.
• A power vessel underway but stopped (not making way) must sound two prolonged blasts roughly 2 seconds apart at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.
• A sailing vessel, a vessel not under command, a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver (whether underway or at anchor), or a vessel engaged in fishing (underway or at anchor) must sound three blasts in succession (one prolonged followed by two short blasts) at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.
• A vessel at anchor must ring a bell rapidly for about 5 seconds at intervals of not more than 1 minute apart. For vessels 100 meters or more in length (which require both a bell and gong), the bell shall be sounded in the forepart of the vessel and immediately after the ringing of the bell, the gong shall be sounded rapidly for about 5 seconds in the after part of the vessel. A vessel at anchor may, in addition, sound three blasts in succession; namely, one short, one prolonged and one short blast, to give warning of her position and of the possibility of collision to an approaching vessel. When anchored in a special anchorage area designated by the Secretary, vessels less than 20 meters in length, barges, canal boats, scows, or other nondescript craft are not required to give the sound signals described above for anchored vessels.

While vessels less than 12 meters in length are not required to give the above signals, they are required to make some type of efficient sound signal at intervals not more than 2 minutes apart. While there is leeway regarding sound signals for vessels less than 12 meters, why try to reinvent the wheel here? Having a proper sound-signaling device on smaller vessels and using the same sound signals (where practical and permitted by the rules) are a win-win for everyone on the water, in my opinion.

Finally, a vessel nearing a bend or an area of a channel or fairway where other vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction must sound one prolonged blast. This signal must be answered with a prolonged blast by any approaching vessel that may be within hearing around the bend or behind the intervening obstruction.

Remember these sound signal rules (we recommend carrying a cheat sheet on board), and you can cruise with the confidence of having added to your boating safety skill set.

Related Articles

The truth about ceramic coatings for boats.

Our editor investigates the marketing claims of consumer-grade ceramic coatings.

Fine-Tune Your Side Scan Fishfinder

Take your side-scanning fishfinder off auto mode, and you’ll be spotting your prey from afar in no time

DIY Boat Foam Decking

Closed-cell foam flooring helps make boating more comfortable. Here’s how to install it on your vessel

Click to explore related articles

Frank Lanier

Contributing Editor, BoatUS Magazine

Capt. Frank Lanier is a SAMS-accredited marine surveyor with over 40 years of experience in the marine and diving industries. He’s an author, public speaker, and multiple award-winning journalist whose articles on boat maintenance, repair, and seamanship appear regularly in numerous marine publications worldwide. Contact him via his YouTube channel “Everything Boats with Capt. Frank Lanier” or at captfklanier.com.

BoatUS Magazine Is A Benefit Of BoatUS Membership

Membership Benefits Include:

Subscription to the print version of BoatUS Magazine

4% back on purchases from West Marine stores or online at WestMarine.com

Discounts on fuel, transient slips, repairs and more at over 1,200 businesses

Deals on cruises, charters, car rentals, hotel stays and more…

All for only $25/year!

We use cookies to enhance your visit to our website and to improve your experience. By continuing to use our website, you’re agreeing to our cookie policy.

Sailing In The Fog – What You Need To Know And Do

Ben Eriksen Carey July 15, 2014 Words 1 Comment

Sound Signals and VHF Protocol in the Fog

Our recent 3 day Morse Alpha sail training expedition in beautiful Maine offered a wide variety of sailing conditions. We saw gusts to 30 knots the first day out, thick fog the second, and light winds the third. The perfect course… a little bit of everything, couldn’t have planned it better myself.

We had fun tucking in a 2nd reef, then a 3rd, then shaking them all, and re-tucking them! We experimented with balance, moving our center of effort forward then aft to feel the effects of each sail individually.

But when the fog rolled in overnight, and the southeasterly winds persisted the next morning, we knew we weren’t going to be able to avoid traveling in the fog. We delayed as much as possible, spending time below going over sail theory, sail trim and learning the nuts and bolts of navigation in the fog. But 1100 came, and we had to catch the tide.

The Scenario

We conservatively motored our way through the Casco Passage, a tight channel with a strong 2-3 knot current and about a thousand lobster traps, or so it seemed—we were too busy to count. Making our way west towards The Deer Island Thorofare we heard the schooner Mary Day on the VHF giving a securité (pronounced “secure-a-tay”) call, announcing their name, location, direction of travel, and that they were under sail. They were just  making their way past Stonington, eastbound. It was obviously socked in there too, bad news.

A sailing vessel replied to their securité call and asked for clarification on the Mary Day’s direction of travel and exact location (on a working channel, NOT 16). Then went on to ask how thick the fog was there. Captain Barry  let him know he was “ socked-in just north of Russ Island “. To which the sailboat replied, “D o you think I should drop anchor here, right where I am if it’s really thick there?”

“Well Cap, I can’t really say. That’s up to you to decide.” Barry responded.

“Well, I think I’ll keep going then.” the yachtsman stated.

“Just keep sounding your horn, and we should pass each other safely” said Barry.

“We don’t have a horn.”

“Oh. Well Cap, that’s not good” said Barry calmly, surely holding back a few expletives and his opinion of the yachtsman’s seamanship on this public VHF forum.

A Sound Solution

As a sailing vessel with an auxiliary engine, we are required, under normal circumstances, to sound one of two (we are either a sailing vessel or a power-driven vessel) different sound signals in the fog as started clearly by Rule 35. It’s not an option! And besides, we kinda like to toot our  horn!

Rule 35 – Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility (view full rule)

(a) A  power-driven vessel  making way through the water shall sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes one prolonged blast. (—)

(c) A vessel  not under command , a vessel  restricted in her ability to maneuver   whether underway or at anchor ,  a vessel constrained by her draft , a  sailing vessel , a vessel  engaged in fishing   whether underway or at anchor  and a vessel engaged in towing or pushing another vessel shall, instead of the signals prescribed in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Rule, sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes three blasts in succession, namely one prolonged followed by two short blasts. (— • •)

*note: prolonged = 4-6 seconds, short = 1 second.

A Radio Solution

All vessels are allowed to give securité calls on the VHF, you don’t have to be  large or restricted in your ability to maneuver. Securité calls are preferably made on channel 13, but unfortunately not everyone monitors 13. So channel 16 is used frequently. Please monitor channel 13! As a recreational vessel, we exercise diligence when giving securité calls, trying to reserve their use to narrow channels, busy commercial lanes, or when radar targets of concern are within a mile or two. But if there is ever doubt, we get on the radio and broadcast a securité.

How To Give An Effective Securité Call

Securité, Securité, Securité.

This is the forty-four foot sailing vessel Rocinante .

We are motor-sailing eastbound through the Fox Island Thorofare, just passing red nun number ten, off Iron Point.

Any concerned traffic please respond on channel one-three or one-six.

This is the sailing vessel Rocinante standing by on one-three and one-six.

The Prudent Solution

But no matter what we decide to do, underlying many of the decisions we make aboard Rocinante is the desire to be able to explain our actions in a court of law. We often ask ourselves, if an accident were to happen, would we be able to justify our every action and prove that we acted in the most prudent, responsible manner, and maintained the highest standards of seamanship. This may seem like a fearful way of living and sailing, but we don’t see it that way. Rather, it provides a very clear guideline for making decisions. If our yachtsman in the conversation above were to have had a collision with the Mary Da y, surely his lack of a horn would not hold up well in court. A very simple, inexpensive piece of gear could cost him his entire vessel (insurance payout).

Very timely! I am getting ready to head out today and I anticipate fog all weekend here in the Puget Sound. Your article was a good refresher for me. I just finished mounting and wiring my horn yesterday!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• How to sail and navigate through fog safely

Fog at sea can be far more treacherous than rough conditions with high winds and large waves, particularly  for smaller vessels. Visibility may be almost zero, increasing the risk of colliding with other boats, the shore, or other obstacles. If fog draws in at sea, your first priority should be to ensure the safety of your crew, start using appropriate signals and take steps to make your boat as visible as possible.

Orientate yourself in fog using all your senses

Poor or near-zero visibility may be the main concern when navigating in fog , but it is not the only challenge for the crew. Fog also distorts and dampens sound, causing it to reflect and travel in unusual ways which can make it difficult to determine which direction a sound is coming from. Even with sophisticated technology like navigation, GPS, and radar, it is possible to lose track of a boat's position and its heading in foggy conditions.

But that doesn't mean that sailing in fog is impossible. It just places significantly greater demands on the sailors and their experience and ability. In general, if the fog is close to shore and you are not sure if it will clear at sea, it is worth postponing departure from the marina or anchorage. If you are caught by fog at sea , several steps should be taken to maintain safety and minimize potential damage, based on sailing regulations as well as the expertise of experienced mariners.

The first steps to take when the fog starts rolling in

Avoid sailing in fog if you can, especially if sailing is more of a leisure activity for you and you haven't logged thousands of nautical miles. This means watching the weather forecast  before setting sail and, if necessary, using your experience to judge whether fog is likely to develop during your trip. If there is already fog in port, it is better to wait until it clears so you can enjoy the beauty of sailing unhindered.

Out at sea, however, fog can easily catch you off guard and if this happens, you must act quickly. The safety of the crew comes first. All members should be fully-clothed and wearing life jackets, because, in the event of a collision, there may be no time to get dressed. Crew members should be secured to the boat using safety lines or harnesses that are loose enough to allow movement around the boat and easy to undo. Safety harnesses are essential because if someone falls overboard   in fog, it will be near impossible to find them in the sea.

YACHTING.COM TIP: Do you know how to rescue a person who has fallen overboard? Despite all safeguards, sometimes it is unavoidable, so every crew member should know exactly what to do. Go over the main guidelines and steps to take in our article — Man Over Board (MOB): a step-by-step guide .

Turn on the radar reflector and navigation lights so the boat can be seen in the fog

As well as ensuring the safety of the crew, it is also crucial to focus on the boat itself and minimise the risk of collision . The moment fog sets in, the skipper or navigator should plot the boat's position as precisely as possible on the chart or determine its most likely position. The radar reflector should be switched on. If it is not fixed on the boat, place it as high as possible on the rigging. As the vast majority of vessels on the open sea use radar to avoid a collision, this will increase the chances of being noticed by a passing vessel. Next, turn on your navigation lights.

Don't forget to sound signals in fog

It is not just enough to improve the visibility of your boat; you also need to sound the signals  prescribed by international law.

These are the usual sound signals in fog:

Under sail: one long and two short blasts every 2 minutes

Under engine power: two long blasts every 2 minutes

Unmanageable vessel, vessel with restricted movement: one long tone and two short blasts every two minutes

At anchor: ring the bell rapidly for 5 seconds every minute (one short, one long and one short ring)

More sailing tips:

Medicanes in Greece

The ultimate yacht cleaning kit, new year's resolution: let's sail more eco, how to have a nautical christmas, what to pack for a tropical sailing, how to gear up for the 2024 sailing season, use your eyes.

Even though visibility is greatly reduced in foggy conditions, it is still important to keep a watchful eye on the situation  rather than relying solely on radar and navigation systems. The ideal place to be is out on the deck, where the glass in the windows and the glow of the monitors won't impair your view. Depending on the type of fog, visibility is usually best at the surface or at height.

Don't be afraid to move around the deck to find the best vantage point with the best visibility. At least one crew member should be monitoring the situation, ideally more, and another person should be assigned to the radar to keep an eye on it constantly. If you are sailing in fog at night , you can further improve the visibility of the boat by shining or flashing lights onto the sails using a powerful flashlight.

YACHTING.COM TIP: Are you concerned about encountering foggy conditions at sea and don't have enough experience sailing in more demanding conditions? Rent one of our charter boats along with an experienced skipper and enjoy a stress-free sailing holiday. Our sales team will be happy to help you with both.

Get to know fog with your ears

Fog not only reduces overall visibility, it also distorts the way sound travels . A sound can easily be perceived as coming from a short distance ahead when in reality it is a warning signal coming from far behind you. This is why it pays to use all of your senses as well as the available technology  to navigate through the fog and reach safe waters.

Hearing is an important sense when navigating fog, especially when combined with sailing know-how. One proven strategy adopted by experienced sailors is setting an appropriate course . Generally, sound carries downwind so if you're heading upwind, you have a better chance of hearing any sound signals ahead of you. Conversely, if you are travelling downwind, the sound will carry with you, making it much harder to detect and identify its source.

If you are not travelling under sail but using engine power , aim to cruise at a slower speed of around 3 to 5 knots (depending on the conditions). This means the engine will not drown out surrounding sounds. Turn off the engine every now and again and listen for any sounds or signals. In some cases, sound may get lost even when just two people are talking. It is therefore important to keep your ears open and monitor the situation closely. Of course, it is essential you know the fog sound  signals described above, as well as the signals emitted by the neighbouring buoys, lighthouses and other marked sites, in order to navigate safely and prevent a collision.

YACHTING.COM TIP: Lighthouses are extremely useful when sailing in foggy conditions. Did you know that each has its own specific sound and light signals? Plus, they are real architectural gems, so take a look at our article on the   15 beautiful lighthouses you must visit .

Feel your surroundings with your whole body

To some extent, even your sense of touch or the sensations on your skin can assist you to navigate fog. And, while this is more of a supplementary aid when trying to get to a port or anchorage safely, every little thing counts.

Keep in mind that fog is caused by significant differences between air and sea/land temperatures . Therefore, you should head for a place where these differences are not so marked. Focus on how the air feels on your skin . For example, if the air feels warm while the water is cold, head for shallower waters where the sea is likely to be warmer and closer to the air temperature. Conversely, if the air is cool, head for the open sea where there is more depth and the water is cooler. 10–15

Don't forget your sense of smell

Even if you can't see or hear anything, smells may tell you a lot about what's going on around you. Smell is a complementary sense that can help you pinpoint the location of something that does not produce a sound. For example, the smell of fish can indicate the proximity of a fishing boat, just like diesel fumes can indicate the presence of a motorboat or boat nearby, etc.

YACHTING.COM TIP: Wondering what type of signals to use when sailing in fog? Sign up for a sailing course with us and learn everything you need to know under experienced professionals.

Need a skipper's license or just some more practice? Try our sailing courses...

Electronics and modern technology on board.

Most boats nowadays are equipped with modern navigation systems and equipment , (such as radar, GPS, radio, etc.) that pinpoint your current position and the position of vessels or obstacles around you. Electronics on board are of a very high standard, but they are not omnipotent. So, always  consider electronics as an aid  and a reference point, rather than the absolute truth. 

Onboard radar system monitors for potential obstacles and other vessels

The moment fog rolls in, you should immediately turn on the radar . If you do not have it permanently installed on your boat, place it as far up on the rigging as possible to maximise its range. One crew member should be assigned to constantly monitor the radar  and report to the helmsman or skipper about the presence of other vessels or hazards. Communication should be brief and to the point so that the helmsman can remain focussed on what they can see and hear around them.

GPS will help you to navigate your yacht

GPS is now the standard method of finding your location and searching for routes, even on smartphones, so it's no surprise that it's also an essential piece of equipment on a boat . However, like other electronic systems, GPS can be incorrect or inaccurate, especially when determining precise position or speed. Therefore, always use GPS in combination with your own observations . If you have a choice, go a GPS system that allows you to see where you had previously been sailing. When sailing in fog, this can be a useful way of finding your way back. Simply sail back in the opposite direction along your original course.

Radio can provide other useful information

An onboard radio is standard on most boats and is a useful aid when sailing in fog . If you have access to all the data you need, you can use the radio to communicate your position and intentions to nearby boats. This usually includes the name of the ship, its type and size, position (latitude and longitude), course and speed. To avoid any misunderstandings or distractions to you or other boats, always use simple and clear sentences in radio communication.

Now all that's left to do is pick a boat:

We have a large selection of boats available, as well as contacts with excellent skippers. Get in contact.

Denisa Nguyenová

Faq how to sail in fog.

• Pontoon Boats
• Personal Watercraft
• nauticalknowhow
• Nautical Knots
• Tools and Calculators

The Basics of Boat Sound Signals

There are several occasions on a boat when you need to use sound signals. In particular, when visibility is limited, boat sound signals are of the utmost importance. Other boaters need to be aware of where you are and what you’re doing at all times. Learning what these sound signals mean and how to use them will keep you and other boaters safe. It will also greatly improve your boating experience. Safety is always key.

How are sounds and signals made on your boat?

There are two ways to alert other vessel with a sound producing device . You can either blast the horn or use a stroke of your bell. Depending on the situation you will need to use one or the other. Learning this is part of the rules of the road.

If your boat is less than 39.4 feet it must carry something able to produce an adequate sound. That could be a bell, a whistle, or an air horn. Remember, in an emergency situation, anything that makes a sound will do. As long as you and other vessels can hear each other. However, you should have the legal equipment on board and in good working order.

If your vessel is between 39.4 Ft and 65.6 feet you must have a whistle and a bell. The whistle has to be able to produce a sound that can be heard up to half a mile away. The mouth of the bell has to be at least 7.87 in in diameter. These are legal requirements and part of inland rules.

When do you make sound signals on your boat?

You only need to use a sound signal when you are in sight of another vessel. If you’re going to meet or cross at a distance of one another within 1/2 a mile you need to signal. These signals are not to be used when visibility is limited by fog. There are different signals to be used with restricted visibility .

Maneuvering Signals

When you are approaching another vessel and wish to get around them these are the maneuvering signals you should use. A short whistle blast is typically 1 second in duration.

One Short Blast: One short blast means you intend to pass a vessel on your port side.

Two Short Blasts: Two short blasts signals your intent to pass the vessel on your starboard side.

A handy tip or remembering which signal to use is 1 short blast for one syllable equals port. Two short blasts for two syllables equals starboard.

Warning Signals

These are signals to alert other boats that there is something they need to be aware of. Unlike a short blast of one second, a prolonged blast should last four to six seconds.

Three Short Blasts: 3 short blasts means you are backing up. You are operating astern propulsion now.

Five Short Horn Blasts : Danger. Or you do not understand the approaching boat’s intentions and they need to clarify. These need to be rapid blasts so they are not confused with prolonged blasts.

One Prolonged Blast: Warning. Use this to indicate when you are leaving a dock or berth. Can also be used as a warning when you are approaching an obstruction, or a blind to turn.

One Prolonged Blast Repeated Every 2 Minutes : Use this when you are in a power driven vessel with limited visibility. If you were travelling through fog, you would do this.

One Prolonged Blast Plus 2 Short Blasts Repeated Every 2 Minutes : This indicates you are in a sailing vessel in limited visibility.

Limited Visibility Signals

If conditions are such that you cannot see other boaters than use these signals.

2 Prolonged Blasts Repeated Every 2 Minutes: This warning signal is used when you are in a power driven vessel that has stopped. You are not anchored but you are not making way.

Five Seconds of Rapid Bell Ringing: When your vessel is at anchor, ring the bells rapidly for 5 seconds at intervals of 1 minute.

3 Bell Strokes + 5 Seconds of Rapid ringing + 3 Bell Strokes: When your vessel is aground, ring the bell three times then rapidly ring for 5 seconds, and ring three times again. This must be repeated every minute

Things to Remember

When you hear a warning from another boat you must respond accordingly. This is especially important when you are in limited visibility. If you’re unable to see each other but can hear the signals from the other vessel, slow down. Continue at a minimum speed and proceed with caution. Maintain a lookout until you are no longer in range of the other vessel. The rules of the road always favor safety. Your signals must be clear, especially when other boats are not in sight.

Always signal your intent when maneuvering a vessel. Remember that directions are based on the vessel making the signal. So when another boat sounds a short blast it means they intend to pass on their port side. Likewise, if your intent is to pass you will use one short blast to indicate your port side. Two blasts to indicate your starboard side. The same signals are needed when overtaking boats as well. That means from either the port side or the starboard side. Always make sure the other vessel knows how you are maneuvering.

Signals are a method of communication. When a boat signals a proposed maneuver, you need to respond. Reply with the same signal to indicate you have understood their intent. If you are unclear, reply with a danger signal of five or more short blasts so they know you do not understand. They should signal again to clarify.

When in doubt, sound the danger signal. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Power driven vessels have a much longer reaction time. In limited visibility, you need to be as clear as possible. You can sound 5 short blasts any time to indicate you are unclear of another vessel’s intentions.

My grandfather first took me fishing when I was too young to actually hold up a rod on my own. As an avid camper, hiker, and nature enthusiast I'm always looking for a new adventure.

Categories : Boats , nauticalknowhow

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

More in Boats

What Is A Gunwale?

131 of the Best Hawaiian Boat Names

167 Patriotic Boat Names

The 138 Best Boat Names for Dog Lovers

The People’s Poncho Review and Ratings 

Oru Lake Kayak Review

About Boatsafe

Established in 1998, BoatSafe is your independent guide into the world of boating, fishing, and watersports. We provide expert insights and detailed guides to help you find products tailored to your needs and budget.

Contact Boatsafe

• Address: 4021 West Walnut Street. Rogers, AR 72756
• Phone:  (479)339-4795
• Email: [email protected]

Site Navigation

• How We Test
• Corrections Policy
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Editorial Policy
• Affiliate Disclosure

Our Reviews

All content is © Copyright 2024. All rights reserved.

• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

Sailing in fog: Pro navigator Mike Broughton shares his top tips

• November 26, 2020

Just a few minutes of sailing in dense fog takes most sailors well out of their comfort zones: it’s disorientating and, quite frankly, scary for many. Here are some tips on how to prepare for, and deal with, a ‘pea soup’

Sailing in fog can be exhausting and disorientating. Photo: Carlo Borlenghi

At sea, fog can be summed up as condensed water vapour or just thick cloud on the surface. Sea fog, or advection fog, forms when relatively warm moist air moves over colder water and cools to its dew point temperature, causing the air to saturate.

Unlike land fog, or radiation fog, sea fog can occur at any time of day and still exist with quite strong winds. It only really clears with a change of air mass – usually with the passage of a cold front. Without the passage of a cold front, it can last for days.

While radiation fog usually occurs on cold, still winter days, sea fog or advection fog is more prevalent in early summer. June can be a particularly bad month in the English Channel , when the water is still relatively cold, with warm moist air coming up from the south-west.

These Sat24.com website images reveal that what appears to be cloud in the satellite view…

Looking out for the forecasts of fog is important, but one simple trick is to go online and use satellite imagery. Sat24.com is a great website to see the last three hours of visual imagery, where fog often shows as a dull, grey and featureless cloud. Next, do a quick comparison with the infra-red satellite imagery and the fog seems to miraculously disappear, whereas other clouds tops still show up.

This is due to the fog being approximately the same temperature as the sea, hence giving a neat confirmation of the existence of fog on the visual picture. You can then return to the visual imagery and more accurately plot the extent of the fog and potentially take avoiding action.

Caught in fog

If you unexpectedly end up sailing in fog, first consider whether you need to keep heading further into it? Would it make more sense to do a quick 180° turn and head back out into clearer visibility?

…is in fact fog that disappears in the infrared view as shown here in the Celtic Sea and North Atlantic

Once we realise we’re sailing in fog, we need to work through a checklist of actions. Note your compass heading. Do we need a more experienced helmsman? It’s easy to quickly find you’re 30° or 40° off course and not notice. Steering is more exacting and even exhausting.

Could it be less stressful to use the autopilot , to allow you to focus on lookout? Just be ready to immediately switch to manual if you need to at a moment’s notice.

Slowing down is certainly good seamanship and the requirement to proceed at a safe speed appropriate to the conditions is detailed clearly in the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collision at Sea (IRPCS Rule 6 – Safe Speed).

Article continues below…

Weather expert Chris Tibbs on how to predict and cope with fog at sea

Radar and AIS help to make navigating in fog safer, but it is still an unnerving experience to sail in…

Navigation briefing: Mike Broughton explains why you still need radar

In a recent feature in Yachting World, my friend and highly respected yachting journalist Ed Gorman wrote a revealing article…

With an increased risk of collision, it’s good practise to ensure everyone is wearing a lifejacket . Maintaining a proper lookout is essential. In ‘pea soup’ fog, stationing a person forwards near the bow can help enormously. If motoring, the bow is a good place to escape the noise to allow the lookout crew member to listen for fog signals, or other hazards. On several occasions when I’ve been sailing in fog, the lookout at the bow has provided vital information to avoid a hazard or navigation mark.

In areas of dense shipping, remember to look up as well as straight ahead, I’m sure I am not the only person to have sighted a large vessel from the helm at the angle of the first spreader!

When ‘in or near areas of restricted visibility’ IRPCS states we shall make the prescribed sound signal, which for sailing vessels is one long blast, followed by two short blasts at intervals not more than two minutes. We need to have a working knowledge of sound signals of other vessels: many don’t appreciate that the fog signal for yachts is the same as vessels involved with fishing, towing, and even vessels ‘constrained by draught’ and ‘not under command’.

Make yourself visible

To help other ships see us, our best chance is to ensure we are clearly seen by the equipment on the bridge, which is radar and AIS (automated information system). Radar is a great help, but not all yachts have it, and it does take concerted focus and an understanding of how best to use it. Nearly all yachts have radar reflectors. Disappointingly tests have shown radar reflectors are not as effective at enhancing our radar signature as many people think. Active radar transponders show up much better.

AIS has been a real step change to aid collision avoidance when sailing in fog, though always remember that not all vessels use it and it is only an aid, albeit a very useful one. AIS can give the speed and course of a vessel as well as the closest point of approach (CPA) and time to the CPA: this is really useful data when navigating in fog. AIS also gives the vessel name, call sign, type and size.

Navigation lights are essential in foggy conditions. In a really thick fog the bow navigation lights can reflect back off the fog, leaving you with an eerie red or green glow.

Do you know how to make the prescribed sound signal in restricted visibility?

The amount of radio traffic tends to rise when sailing in fog, though beware using VHF radio to communicate with the watch keeper of another vessel, which can be fraught with problems.

There have been at least three occasions in the Dover Straits where watch keepers have opted to use radio to try to negotiate collision avoidance, which has ended unhappily in a collision!

These have often come about through misidentification and language difficulties, when both watch keepers should have prioritised normal rules of the road and not allowed themselves to be distracted in an important close quarters situation.

One tactic for dealing with fog on small vessels is to head away from busy shipping channels and sail to shallow water and anchor. Once tethered to the seabed remember to sound your fog signal (for vessels over 12m, ringing a bell for five seconds every minute). Many sailors may not be familiar with the additional signal of one short, one long, one short blast that can be made after the bell if you are concerned of a risk of collision while you are an anchor.

Stopping and racing in fog

Racing in fog creates extra challenges. Fog by night can take you by surprise and it is easy to lose hard fought gains, if the helmsperson loses awareness. If you have the choice of tacking into fog or not when racing, I would take the clear option every time: humans concentrate better when they can see.

The disorientation and confusion that sailing fog can create can easily generate high levels of stress. Mat Sweetman, captain of the J Class yacht Rainbow , suggests: “It is easy to get freaked out in fog, [but] look at is as if it was just a dark night and it gets a whole load less stressful.”

One clue as to the existence of fog at night is an absence of ambient lights and low altitude stars. If you are on the helm and getting close to fog, it is a good idea to start a scan of your yacht instruments. Like a pilot flying into cloud, it is imperative to ‘believe in your instruments’.

A regular scan is most effective but is both tiring and exacting over a long period of time. On top of normal sailing skills such as utilising the feel of your helm, tell tales (if you can still see them) and heel angle, we now need to bring in regular glances at true wind angle, boat speed, and heading. Working out a pattern for your scan is a good discipline for sailing in fog.

Sea fog is renowned over the Grand Banks. On the Transatlantic Race in 2005, fog prevailed for over six days with sustained wind speeds of 25-30 knots. Visibility was mostly less than 150 metres. Sailing in fog for nearly a week is tough going!

Using radar for collision avoidance

• Periodically cycle through the ranges and don’t leave it just on long range. Zoom in to only three miles in busy shipping and even closer when tracking a vessel of interest.
• Leave the sensitivity and clutter settings on auto. Modern radars handle them well.
• If you want to look through a rain cloud, alter ‘rain clutter’ control very briefly, then revert it to automatic every time.
• Use a split screen with radar on dual range, or radar and chartplotter lined up alongside, or radar ‘overlaid’ on the chartplotter.
• Experiment with this before you hit fog.
• Consider setting up an alarm zone to help you detect contacts.
• If your radar display is below decks, have a tested system for communicating to the helm. Some yachts use a private VHF channel.
• Stay clear of busy ferry routes

First published in the November 2020 issue of Yachting World.

RYA Powerboat Training

• Powerboat Course Overview
• RYA Powerboat Level 2
• RYA Powerboat Level 1
• Own Boat Training
• ICC Qualification
• Course Calendar
• News, Articles & Customer Stories
• Have a question?
• Christchurch MBC
• Our location

Sound signals in reduced visibility (fog)

The best way to remember these sound signals is to split them by ship condition:   1. Making way and unrestricted in their ability to manoeuvre:   2. Making way but restricted in their ability to manoeuvre;   3. At anchor or underway but not making way; or finally aground

The first set - Making way and unrestricted in their ability to manoeuvre

The only boats classed as unrestricted in their ability to manoeuvre are power boats of all shapes and sizes, making way, but not engaged in any restrictive works such as fishing, dredging or towing, nor constrained by their draft.

Ships in this state all should make the same sound signal : One long blast every two minutes or less.

A ship or boat that is merely stationary but not at anchor (underway, but not making way) gives two long blasts every two minutes or less.

A pilot boat, for some reason, is allowed to add a further signal to its powerboat sound � four short blasts.

You don´t have to worry to much about the size of the vessel. The blast the Queen Mary II makes will not be confused with the sound your berth neighbour´s Sea Ray emits.

It is worth remembering the very large ships can neither turn, stop or reverse in order to avoid you. So if you hear a ‘large vessel blast’ you should be extra alert.

The second set � Making way but restricted in their ability to manoeuvre

This covers lots of boat types. Power boats engaged in work that makes them less manoeuvrable such as boats fishing, dredging, and towing, ships constrained by their draft and all sailing boats.

These ships and boats sound as follows. One long blast followed immediately by two short blasts (again, every two minutes or less).

Towing vessels should make an additional sound signal to alert other shipping to the extra hazard they represent. While the towing vessel makes the sound for a vessel restricted in its ability to manoeuvre, the vessel being towed has a sound signal all of its own and that is one long blast followed immediately by THREE short blasts. These sounds should be co-ordinated into a set. The towing vessel should do its one long and two short and then, after a SHORT pause, the vessel being towed should emit one long and three short blasts.

The third set: At anchor or aground

Ships under 100m, at anchor, ring a bell for 5 seconds at least every minute. Ships longer than 100m ring the bell at the bow end and follow it with beating a gong for five seconds at the stern.

If the ship is aground, rather than at anchor, it should preceed and follow the rapid ringing with three single strikes. If over 100m, the same goes for the gong.

If they become concerned that an approaching vessel is on a collision course, they may add one short, one long and one short blast from their hooter.

That means that a ship over 100m aground and alarmed you might be on a collision course will do the following:   1. Three distinct strikes of a bell;   2. Rapid ringing of the bell for 5 sec;   3. Three distinct strikes of the bell;   4. Three distinct strikes of the gong;   5. Rapid striking of the gong for 5 sec;   6. Three distinct strikes of the gong; and   7. One short, one, long and one short blast from its hooter.

That ought to get your attention!

Season 2023/24

Season 2023/24 Call Will for all boat training requirements on 01202 836721

Bespoke Tuition to suit your requirements, can also include crew training on your boat. Call Will to discuss on 01202 836721

Our Details:

Saltwater Experience Bailey Bridge Marina, 10 Bailey Drive, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 2BN

Tel: 01202 836721

Principal: Will Eveleigh Chief Instructor: Lloyd James

[email protected]

• On the water:
• Int Certificate of Competence
• Shorebased courses:
• Diesel maintenance
• VHF Radio course
• Complaint Procedure

Copyright: Saltwater Experiences 2024 All Rights Reserved. Legal

Design by Signatures Design . Hosted by Radikls

Sound Signals for Vessels

The basic sound signals you should know are shown below. This information is embedded in the NauticEd Skipper Course and the NauticEd RYA Day Skipper Course.

Also, download our Navigation Rules eBook for iPad  where the complete set of Navigation Rules are given and explained with animations – ONLY $2.99.

Tap each image to hear an example sound.

Between each successive signal you should wait 10 seconds or more.

These sounds are to made by power-driven vessels greater than 12 meters (39ft) in length and when operating in a narrow channel and have sighted each other.

The danger signal is general and can be used by anyone to signal disagreement with another vessel’s signal, which may lead to danger or just danger in general to anyone.

Sailboat in Fog

When operating in areas of restricted visibility IE fog, a Sailboat must make the following signal.

Remember this by an average sailboat normally has two sails- thus the two shorts toots.

Powerboat if Fog

Where prolonged  is a prolonged blast (lasting 4 to 6 seconds) and signals are not more than 2 minutes apart. This signal above (one prolonged and two short) is also the signal for other vessels operating in fog such as vessels towing, broken down, commercial fishing, or restricted in ability to maneuver.

Power driven vessels operating in fog must make the following signal not more than 2 minutes apart.

These are international rules. The above list of signals is not exhaustive. For a list of all sound signals visit Rules 32 through 37 of the USCG regs (which again are international).

Finally, a piece of advice: Make sure you have a loud sound making device at hand at all times near the helm available with in 1-2 seconds. The day you will need it is the day you will thank yourself for heeding this advice.

Oh and BTW, that day WILL come – read this story about how it was too late

You might also like

TWEET ABOUT

FIGHT CHILDHOOD CANCER

NauticEd is a fully recognized education and certification platform for sailing students combining online and on-the-water real instruction ( and now VR ). NauticEd offers +24 online courses , a free sailor's toolkit that includes 2 free courses, and six ranks of certification – all integrated into NauticEd’s proprietary platform. The USCG and NASBLA recognize NauticEd as having met the established American National Standards. Learn more at www.nauticed.org .

The NauticEd Vacations team are Expert Global Yacht Charter Agents – when you book a sailing vacation or bareboat charter through NauticEd, we don’t charge you a fee – we often save you money since we can compare prices from all yacht charter companies. PLUS, we can give you advice on which destination or charter company will suit your needs best. Inquire about a Sailing Vacation or Charter .

Online Sailing Courses Sailing Vacations | Charters Practical Sailing Courses Sailing Certification | License

Sign up for 2 FREE Sailing Courses Try sailing in Virtual Reality! Gift a Friend a Sailing Course Sailing Events | Opportunities

About NauticEd Contact Us NauticEd Support Privacy Policy

• floridaboatersguide.com
• Jun 10, 2021

Fog! What vessel signals are needed during fog.

Updated: Mar 8, 2022

It is always time to review fog signals while underway. All vessels underway in or near an area of restricted visibility, whether day or night, must make the following fog signals:

Power driven vessel making way - A powerboat making way through the water must sound one

prolonged blast at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.

Power driven vessel stopped, not making way - A powerboat that has come to a complete stop and is not making way must sound two prolonged blasts in succession with an interval of about 2 seconds between them at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.

Sailing vessel - A sailboat must sound three blasts in succession: one prolonged followed by two short blasts at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.

Vessel not under command or restricted in its ability to maneuver - both of these classes of vessel must sound three blasts in succession: one prolonged followed by two short at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.

Fishing vessel - Whether fishing with lines or nets, or trawling, a fishing vessel must sound three blasts in succession: one prolonged followed by two short at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.

Vessel constrained by its draft - This type of vessel must sound three blasts in succession: one prolonged followed by two short at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.

Vessel engaged in towing or pushing - All types of towboats and tug boats must sound three blasts in succession: one prolonged followed by two short at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.

Vessel being towed - The last vessel in a multi-vessel tow, if it is manned, must sound four blasts in succession: one prolonged followed by three short at intervals of no more than 2 minutes. If practicable, these blast should be made immediately after the fog signal of the towing vessel has been sounded. Unmanned tows are not required to sound fog signals.

Recent Posts

O'Neill Wetsuits Child Reactor USCG Life Vest

Fujinon Techno-Stabi TS12x28 Image Stabilization Binocular

EPIRB - Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon

• Restricted visibility while boating
• Free Boating License Study Guide
• Navigation Rules

What must you do at all times in any condition of visibility on a boat?

When operating at night, or other times of restricted visibility (such as rain, mist or heavy fog), the required navigation lights as explained earlier in the required equipment section are mandatory to be displayed. The lights will let each boater know which is the stand-on or give-way vessel and each boater should react accordingly.

During nighttime operations vision can be tricky at best, so a proper lookout and safe speed need constant attention.

During times of restricted visibility such as smoke or fog, additional sound signals are required. Both inland and international rules require that any boat underway in or near a restricted visibility area sound a warning signal every two minutes.

Motorboats must sound one prolonged blast every two minutes. 

Sailing vessels must sound one prolonged blast plus two short blasts every two minutes.

When a power driven boat is stopped (underway but making no way), she shall sound two prolonged blasts every two minutes.

Boats at anchor shall sound rapid strokes on the bell for 5 seconds at intervals not less than one minute.

Boats aground shall sound three distinct strokes on the bell ("I Am Aground"), followed by five seconds rapid ringing of the bell, followed by three distinct strokes on the bell ("I Am Aground").

If you hear a fog signal of another boat you cannot see, slow to minimum speed and maintain a proper lookout!

• Follow Ace Boater on YouTube
• Join Ace Boater on Facebook
• Contacts Us

Boating safety course and boating exam accredited in USA

• Construction
• Optimisations
• Performance
• Equipment care
• Provisioning
• Keeping afloat
• Precautions

Getting to grips with sound signals

What is the issue, why address this, how to address this.

• • A vessel of 12 metres or more in length shall be provided with a whistle
• • A vessel of 20 metres or more in length shall, in addition, be provided with a bell
• • A vessel of 100 metres or more in length shall, in addition, be provided with a gong
• A short blast = a blast of about one second's duration.
• A prolonged blast = a blast of from four to six seconds' duration.

• One short blast = "I intend to leave you on my port side"
• Two short blasts = "I intend to leave you on my starboard side"
• Three short blasts = "I am operating astern propulsion"
• Five short and rapid blasts = "Danger signal, I do not understand your intentions"
• Four short blasts, a short interval and one short blast = "I intend to turn about to Starboard (turn vessel through more than 135°)"
• Four short blasts, a short interval and two short blasts = "I intend to turn about to Port (turn vessel through more than 135°)".
• Two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts = “I intend to overtake you on your port side”
• One prolonged, one short, one prolonged, and one short blast , in that order.
• One prolonged blast = "I am making vessels aware of my presence"
• • Under sail (and some other vessels): One prolonged foghorn horn blast and two short blasts every two minutes
• • Making way under power: One prolonged blast every two minutes.
• • Under way but stopped: Two long blasts with an interval of about 2 seconds between them at two-minute intervals.
• • Aground - under 100m (328ft): Three bells, rapid ringing, three bells, at one-minute intervals.
• • Aground - over 100m (328ft): Three bells, rapid ringing, three bells, a gong sounded aft, every minute.
• • At anchor - under 100m (328ft): Rapid ringing of bell in the forepart of the boat for 5 seconds, at one-minute intervals.
• • At anchor - over 100m (328ft): Rapid ringing of bell in the forepart of the boat for 5 seconds, at one-minute intervals and immediately after the ringing of the bell the gong shall be sounded rapidly for about 5 seconds in the after part of the vessel.
• • Pilot boat on duty: Four short blasts (after underway or making way) every two minutes.

Do not assume a direction for the maritime horn signal as it can be distorted by fog so stop and double-check the direction then proceed with caution.

With thanks to:

Add your review or comment:

Matt Reid wrote this review on Dec 31st 2013: The signals outlined above are not quiet correct. One short blast means "I am altering course to starboard" Two short blasts means "I am altering course to port" When overtaking these signals are preceded by two long blasts to indicate the intention to overtake as shown in rule 34. Rule 34 (c) When in sight of one another in a narrow channel or fairway: (i) a vessel intending to overtake another shall in compliance with Rule 9(e)(i) indicate her intention by the following signals on her whistle: • two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast to mean “I intend to overtake you on your starboard side”; • two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts to mean “I intend to overtake you on your port side”. (ii) the vessel about to be overtaken when acting in accordance with Rule 9(e)(i) shall indicate her agreement by the following signal on her whistle: • one prolonged, one short, one prolonged and one short blast, in that order. (d) When vessels in sight of one another are approaching each other and from any cause either vessel fails to understand the intentions or actions of the other, or is in doubt whether sufficient action is being taken by the other to avoid collision, the vessel in doubt shall immediately indicate such doubt by giving at least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle. Such signal may be supplemented by a light signal of at least five short and rapid flashes.

Michael Harpur wrote this review on Jan 26th 2018: Thank you Matt. I have now edited this to the letter of the law and also added links back to 'The Merchant Shipping (Distress Signals and Prevention of Collisions) Regulations 1996'. Any further suggestions please do not hesitate.

Please log in to leave a review of this tip.

eOceanic makes no guarantee of the validity of this information, you must read our legal page . However, we ask you to help us increase accuracy. If you spot an inaccuracy or an omission on this page please contact us and we will be delighted to rectify it. Don't forget to help us by sharing your own experience .

• Flashlights
• Path Lights
• Bike Lights

• Safety Lights

• Accessories
• Bike Cleats

May 20, 2022 14 min read

A Powerboat Underway in the Fog: What Sound Signal Should You Use?

When you're operating a powerboat in the fog, sound signals are critical for safety. They help you navigate through the reduced visibility and alert other vessels to your presence. But which sound signals should you use? The answer depends on the type of vessel you're operating and your intentions.

Understanding the impact of fog on boating is crucial to operating safely. Fog can reduce visibility to as little as a few feet, making it difficult to see other boats, buoys, and landmarks. This can lead to collisions, groundings, and other accidents. Using sound signals can help prevent these accidents and keep you and other boaters safe. In this article, we'll explore the different sound signals you should use when operating a powerboat in the fog, as well as other safety measures you can take to stay safe in these conditions.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the impact of fog on boating is crucial to operating safely.
• Sound signals are critical for safety when operating a powerboat in the fog.
• The type of vessel you're operating and your intentions determine which sound signals you should use.

Understanding Fog and Its Impact on Boating

When  boating in fog , it's essential to understand how it can impact your visibility and ability to navigate safely. Fog is a type of mist that can reduce visibility to less than one nautical mile, making it difficult to see other vessels, obstacles, or land masses. This can be especially dangerous when boating in areas with heavy traffic or narrow channels.

Restricted visibility due to fog can also impact your ability to navigate using visual aids such as buoys, markers, or lighthouses. It's important to have a solid understanding of your vessel's navigation equipment and how to use it properly to navigate in these conditions.

Before heading out, it's crucial to check the weather forecast for any potential fog or reduced visibility in your area. If fog is expected, it's best to delay your trip until conditions improve. If you do encounter fog while underway, it's essential to slow down and use your vessel's sound signals to alert other boats of your presence.

In summary, fog can be a significant hazard to boaters, and it's crucial to understand how it can impact your visibility and navigation. By being prepared and using proper navigation techniques, you can safely navigate through foggy conditions and avoid any potential accidents.

The Importance of Sound Signals in Fog

When operating a powerboat in foggy conditions, it's crucial to use sound signals to alert other boats of your presence. The sound signals are used to indicate the boat's position, direction, and proximity to other boats. The most common sound signal is a short blast, which is used to indicate that the boat is altering its course to starboard.

A prolonged blast, on the other hand, is used to indicate that the boat is altering its course to port. It's also important to note that blasts are used to indicate the boat's position when it's underway. For example, one short blast indicates that the boat is approaching another boat head-on, while one prolonged blast indicates that the boat is overtaking another boat from behind.

Three short blasts are used to indicate that the boat is backing up, while rapid blasts are used to indicate danger or an emergency situation. It's essential to use the correct sound signal in the appropriate situation to avoid confusion or accidents.

In addition to using sound signals, it's also important to have a fog signal on board. A fog signal is a sound-producing device that emits a loud, distinctive sound to alert other boats of your presence. Fog signals can be in the form of horns, whistles, or bells.

In summary, when operating a powerboat in foggy conditions, it's crucial to use sound signals and fog signals to alert other boats of your presence. Using the correct sound signal in the appropriate situation can prevent confusion and accidents.

Types of Vessels and Their Sound Signals

When underway in foggy conditions, it's crucial to understand the different types of vessels and their corresponding sound signals. Powerboats, sailing vessels, and power-driven vessels all have different sound signals that they should use to alert other boats of their presence.

For powerboats, a prolonged blast of the horn is the appropriate sound signal. This is a sound that lasts for four to six seconds and should be used every two minutes when underway in foggy conditions.

Sailing vessels, on the other hand, should use a combination of sound signals. If the sailing vessel is under sail alone, it should sound a prolonged blast every two minutes. If the sailing vessel is also using its engines, it should sound a prolonged blast followed by two short blasts every two minutes.

Power-driven vessels should sound a prolonged blast followed by two short blasts every two minutes when underway in foggy conditions. This includes vessels like motorboats and speedboats.

It's also important to know the sound signals for vessels being overtaken and vessels engaged in fishing. When overtaking another vessel, sound two short blasts followed by a prolonged blast every two minutes. When in the vicinity of a vessel engaged in fishing, sound two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast every two minutes.

By understanding the different  sound signals for each type of vessel , you can help ensure safe navigation in foggy conditions.

Understanding Port and Starboard

When you're on a powerboat that's underway in the fog, it's essential to understand port and starboard. Port refers to the left side of the boat, while starboard refers to the right side. These terms are used to communicate with other vessels and to navigate safely through the water.

It's important to note that port and starboard are always relative to the direction the boat is facing. So, if you're standing at the back of the boat facing forward, port will be on your left, and starboard will be on your right.

Knowing the difference between port and starboard is crucial for understanding navigation rules, which dictate who has the right of way when two boats are approaching each other. For example, if two boats are approaching each other head-on, both should turn to starboard (right) to avoid a collision.

When you're on a boat, you'll often hear the terms "port side" and "starboard side" used to refer to specific areas of the boat. Port side refers to the left side of the boat, while starboard side refers to the right side.

In summary, understanding port and starboard is essential for safe navigation on the water. Whether you're communicating with other vessels or following navigation rules, knowing the difference between port and starboard will help keep you and your passengers safe.

Maneuvering and Warning Signals

When operating a powerboat in the fog, it is crucial to use  maneuvering and warning signals to avoid collisions and ensure the safety of all on board. The sound signal to use in restricted visibility is one prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes. This signal is used to warn other vessels of your presence and to indicate that you are underway.

If you are approaching another vessel in the fog, you should use a danger signal of five short blasts. This signal indicates that you are in a potentially dangerous situation and that the other vessel should take action to avoid a collision. If you are proposing a maneuver, such as turning to port or starboard, you should use the appropriate maneuvering signal of two short blasts for port and three short blasts for starboard.

It is important to remember that sound signals alone are not enough to prevent collisions in restricted visibility. You should also reduce your speed and keep a sharp lookout for other vessels and navigational hazards. By using the correct maneuvering and warning signals and taking appropriate precautions, you can safely navigate your powerboat through the fog.

Legal Requirements and Coast Guard Regulations

When operating a powerboat in the fog, it is important to follow legal requirements and Coast Guard regulations to ensure safety. According to the Navigation Rules, a power-driven vessel underway in fog must sound a prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes. This signal indicates the presence of a power-driven vessel and its position to other vessels in the area.

The U.S. Coast Guard also has regulations that must be followed when operating a powerboat in the fog. These regulations include having proper navigation lights, maintaining a safe speed, and using radar if available. It is important to follow these regulations to prevent collisions and ensure the safety of everyone on board.

International rules and inland rules also apply when operating a powerboat in the fog. It is important to be familiar with these rules to ensure compliance and safety. In addition, it is recommended to have a sound signaling device, such as a whistle or horn, on board in case of emergency.

In summary, when operating a powerboat in the fog, it is important to follow legal requirements and Coast Guard regulations. This includes sounding a prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes, having proper navigation lights, maintaining a safe speed, and using radar if available. By following these regulations, you can ensure the safety of everyone on board and prevent collisions with other vessels.

Additional Safety Measures

When underway in the fog, it is essential to take additional  safety measures to ensure a safe and successful journey. One such measure is to maintain a proper lookout at all times. This includes having someone designated to watch for any obstructions or blind bends, as well as keeping an eye out for other boats in the area.

In addition to a lookout, it is recommended to use radar to detect any potential risks of collision. This technology can help you identify any obstructions in the water, even if they are not visible to the naked eye. It is important to note that radar should not be solely relied upon and should be used in conjunction with other safety measures.

When leaving the dock, it is important to have a plan in place for navigating through the fog. This may include plotting a course, identifying potential hazards, and communicating with other boats in the area. It is also recommended to reduce your speed and maintain a safe distance from other boats to reduce the risk of collision.

Overall, taking these additional safety measures can greatly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a safe and successful journey when underway in the fog.

Communication Tools in Foggy Conditions

When operating a powerboat in foggy conditions, it is crucial to have the right communication tools to ensure the safety of everyone on board. One of the most important tools is a sound signal. The sound signal should be used to alert other boats of your presence and to indicate your intentions.

There are several types of sound signals that are commonly used in foggy conditions. These include a bell, whistle, air horn, and radio. The sound signal that you use will depend on the size of your boat and the conditions that you are operating in.

A bell is typically used on smaller boats and is required by law on vessels under 12 meters in length. The bell should be rung for five seconds every minute in foggy conditions.

A whistle is another common sound signal that is used in foggy conditions. The whistle should be sounded for four to six seconds every minute in foggy conditions.

An air horn is a more powerful sound signal that is used on larger boats. The air horn should be sounded for four to six seconds every minute in foggy conditions.

In addition to these sound signals, it is also important to have a radio on board. The radio can be used to communicate with other boats and to receive weather updates and other important information.

When using a sound signal, it is important to ensure that it is loud enough to be heard by other boats in the area. You should also be aware of the mouth of the bell, which is the direction that the sound travels in. This will help you to determine the best direction to sound your signal in.

Overall, having the right communication tools is essential when operating a powerboat in foggy conditions. By using the appropriate sound signals and staying alert, you can help to ensure the safety of yourself and others on board.

Understanding and Responding to Disagreement Signals

When operating a powerboat in the fog, it's crucial to understand and respond to disagreement signals.  Disagreement signals are used to indicate that two vessels are on a collision course and that one vessel must take action to avoid a collision. The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) specify the sound signals that should be used in this situation.

If you hear one short blast, it means that the other vessel is in agreement with your proposed course of action. If you hear two short blasts, it means that the other vessel disagrees with your proposed course of action and that you should take action to avoid a collision. In this situation, you should alter your course to starboard (right) to avoid the other vessel.

If you hear three short blasts, it means that the other vessel is in doubt about your proposed course of action and that you should take action to avoid a collision. In this situation, you should alter your course to starboard (right) to avoid the other vessel.

It's important to respond to disagreement signals promptly and appropriately to avoid a collision. If you're unsure about how to respond, slow down and wait for further instructions. Remember, safety should always be your top priority when operating a powerboat in the fog.

Special Circumstances

When operating a powerboat in the fog, it is important to be aware of special circumstances that may require sound signals. Sound signals are used to alert other vessels of your presence and intentions.

If you are underway in the fog, you should sound one prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes. If you are anchored, you should sound one short blast followed by one prolonged blast at intervals of not more than one minute.

If you are aground, you should sound three distinct strokes in quick succession, followed by one prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes. If you are backing up, you should sound one short blast every two minutes.

If you have astern propulsion, you should sound one prolonged blast followed by three short blasts at intervals of not more than two minutes. If you are overtaking another vessel, you should sound two short blasts followed by one prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes.

If you are towing another vessel, you should sound one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts at intervals of not more than two minutes.

Remember, sound signals are an important tool for communicating with other vessels in the fog. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure the safety of everyone on the water.

Boater Responsibilities and Intentions

As a boater, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of yourself and others around you while underway in the fog. One of the most important ways to do this is by using the appropriate sound signals to indicate your intentions and alert other boaters to your presence.

If you are operating a powerboat in the fog, the sound signal you should use depends on your vessel's size and speed. For example, if you are underway and making way, you should sound one prolonged blast at intervals of no more than two minutes. If you are stopped and not making way, you should sound two prolonged blasts at intervals of no more than two minutes.

It is also important to remember that sound signals are not the only way to communicate with other boaters. You should always be aware of your surroundings and keep a lookout for other vessels, using visual signals such as navigation lights and flares if necessary.

By following these boater responsibilities and intentions, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable boating experience for everyone on the water.

Sailing Vessels Vs. Power-Driven Vessels

When a powerboat is underway in the fog, it is important to know the sound signals that should be used to avoid collisions with other vessels. The rules for sound signals differ between sailing vessels and power-driven vessels.

Sailing vessels under sail alone should sound one prolonged blast at intervals not exceeding two minutes. Power-driven vessels should sound one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts at intervals not exceeding two minutes.

If a sailing vessel is being propelled by machinery, it should sound the same signals as a power-driven vessel. However, if a sailing vessel is being propelled by both sail and machinery, it should sound the same signals as a sailing vessel under sail alone.

It is important to note that if you hear a fog signal from another vessel, you should respond with the same signal. This will help other vessels to locate you and avoid a collision.

Rapid Bell Ringing and Its Significance

When a powerboat is underway in the fog, it is essential to use sound signals to alert other vessels of your presence. One of the most crucial sound signals is the bell, which is used to indicate the presence of a power-driven vessel.

Rapid bell ringing is an important sound signal that indicates that a vessel is in distress or is in danger of colliding with another vessel. This sound signal consists of five or more rapid rings of the bell in quick succession, followed by a short pause, and then repeated.

Rapid bell ringing is significant because it is used to indicate that a vessel is in distress and requires immediate assistance. It is also used to indicate that a vessel is in danger of colliding with another vessel and needs to take evasive action.

In addition to rapid bell ringing, there are other sound signals that powerboats can use to indicate their presence in the fog. These include the whistle, which is used to indicate the vessel's position, and the horn, which is used to indicate the vessel's intention to maneuver.

It is essential for all powerboat operators to understand the significance of sound signals and to use them appropriately when underway in the fog. By doing so, they can help prevent collisions and ensure the safety of everyone on board.

Seas and Fog

When navigating in foggy conditions, it is important to be aware of the sea state. Waves can become unpredictable and dangerous, even in calm conditions. Keep a lookout for any changes in the sea state, and adjust your speed and course accordingly.

In foggy conditions, you should sound a prolonged blast on your horn at intervals of no more than two minutes. This signal indicates that you are underway and cannot see other vessels. Other vessels in the area will also be sounding their horns, so listen carefully and keep track of their location.

If you are in an area with heavy traffic, you may also hear short blasts from other vessels. This signal indicates that they are altering their course to starboard (right). If you hear two short blasts, it means they are altering their course to port (left).

Remember to always proceed at a safe speed in foggy conditions. Slow down if necessary, and keep a lookout for other vessels. By following these guidelines, you can safely navigate through foggy conditions and avoid collisions with other boats.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of one prolonged blast from a powerboat in foggy conditions.

One prolonged blast from a powerboat in foggy conditions indicates that the boat is underway and is not moving in relation to the fog. This is a warning signal that the boat is approaching other boats or objects and is requesting that they take appropriate action to avoid a collision.

What should you do when you hear a fog signal from a powerboat?

When you hear a fog signal from a powerboat, you should reduce your speed and proceed with caution. You should also listen carefully for other signals from the boat, such as the number of short blasts, to determine its position and direction.

How many sound signals are used when signaling to boaters about inclement weather?

When signaling to boaters about inclement weather, two sound signals are used. One prolonged blast is used to signal that the boat is underway, and three short blasts are used to signal that the boat is at anchor or stopped.

When should you have appointed lookouts in place while operating a boat?

You should have appointed lookouts in place while operating a boat in all conditions, including clear weather and foggy conditions. Lookouts should be positioned in a way that allows them to see in all directions and should be trained to identify and report any potential hazards.

What is the meaning of three short blasts from a boat?

Three short blasts from a boat indicate that the boat is at anchor or stopped and is not moving in relation to the fog. This signal is used to indicate the boat's position and direction.

What are the different sound signals used by boats and ships in foggy conditions?

The different sound signals used by boats and ships in foggy conditions include one prolonged blast to indicate that the boat is underway, two prolonged blasts to indicate that the boat is backing up, and three short blasts to indicate that the boat is at anchor or stopped. Additionally, boats and ships may use other signals, such as five short blasts to indicate danger or an emergency situation.

What sound signals will you hear if a sailboat is underway in the fog?

Want this question answered?

Be notified when an answer is posted

Add your answer:

You are out on the water in foggy conditions. You hear one prolonged blast plus two short blasts every two minutes. What does this sound signal mean?

The sound signals that it is a sailing vessel underway when you hear one prolonged blast plus two short blasts every two minutes.

You are out in the water in foggy conditions you hear one prolonged blast plus two short blast every two minutes what does this sound signal mean?

A sailboat is underway in the fog. what sound should you hear.

One prolonged blast plus two short blasts every two minutes. Explanation: 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 plus two short blasts at intervals of not more than two minutes is the signal used by sailing vessels.

What sound signal should you hear when a sailboat is underway in fog?

When a sailboat is underway in the fog what sound signal should you hear, a sailboat is underway in the fog. what sound signal should you hear, if you are operating in fog and you hear a series of sound signals which of the following is the most appropriate response.

steer away from the sound signals and slow to a crawl

What signal should you hear when a sailboat is underway in the fog?

You are out on the water in foggy conditions. you hear one prolonged blast every two minutes. what does this sound signal mean.

I am a power-driven vessel underway. 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.

You are out on the water in foggy conditions You hear one prolonged blast every two minutes What does this sound signal mean?

How do we hear the sound of another person's voice.

Sound is produced when a person speaks, creating vibrations in the air that travel as sound waves. These sound waves enter our ears and cause our eardrums to vibrate, which is then converted into electrical signals and sent to the brain. The brain interprets these signals as sound, allowing us to hear another person's voice.

You are out on the water and foggy conditions you hear one prolonged blast plus 2 short blast every two minutes what does this sound signal me?

Rules of the Road. Rule 35, Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility. (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 SHALL, sound at intervals of not more than two minutes three blast in succession, namely one prolonged followed by two short blast.

Top Categories