Do you often hear boats honking their horns before entering a port? This is the sound of a foghorn. By the way, this is a normal situation even for a fishing boat, no matter how big it is. Some people still wonder why boats sound. Here are a few things you might want to consider.
Sound signals for manoeuvres
Different signals can be used for manoeuvres. A short sound signal means that a boat is coming to starboard. Two short signals mean that you are coming from the port side. In addition, three beeps mean that the vehicle is backing up. Do you have doubts about the intentions of another ship? In that case you can send more than four small blows.
You want to catch up with another ship on the starboard side? Just give two long blasts of the siren followed by a short signal. On the other hand, the two long blasts will be accompanied by two short signals. On the other hand, you will send two long blasts followed by one short blast to give an affirmative response to a ship you have overtaken.
One long shot is enough to warn others before negotiating a blind turn. This avoids a collision with another boat. It’s a good idea to learn these codes before you take your boat out fishing.
Sound signals in poor visibility
In case of reduced visibility, you can make one long blast every two minutes if you have a motorboat making headway. You will make two blasts if you are under way with no headway and stopped. Can’t control your boat? Just make one long signal and two short signals at 2 minute intervals. This signal also means that you are fishing.
Send a long signal followed by three short signals to indicate that your boat is being towed. The signals should be made every 2 minutes. Are you on a pilot boat that is attracting the attention of a vessel? Simply make four short blasts in a row and wait 1 minute to make the blasts again. You can also send signals in fog or mist.
Other signals you should know
Here, it is sufficient to make a short blast with a long blast followed by a final blast of the foghorn for a wet boat. These signals should be given at an interval of 1 minute. Is your boat wet? You will send a bell sound and a fast bell ring. Remember to keep a 1-minute interval for the signals.
In addition, you must send rapid bell tones for a long time if the boat runs aground. Each rapid blast should be separated by 1 minute intervals. Learning these sound signals will help you to act appropriately in all situations when you are on the open sea. You can fish with peace of mind if you leave nothing to chance with these signals.
