Study Rule 35: the text of the rule is available at www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=navRulesContent. There’s a lot to learn, not only for your boat but for other vessels out there lurking just out of sight. Buy a plastic reference card with the sound signals and lights on it, and keep it near the helm. When you hear a loud whistle signal near you that makes you jump out of your skin, you’d better know what is making the sound and what you should do about it.
Rule 35 of the Navigation Rules prescribes the sound signals for power-driven and sailing vessels in or near an area of restricted visibility, day or night. Visibility can be affected by fog, rain, snow, dust, smog, haze, smoke, sandstorm, blizzard, etc. Note that night by itself is NOT restricted visibility. The sound signals are essentially the same under International and Inland Rules. There are signals for vessels underway and making way, underway but stopped, vessels doing specific operations, vessels anchored, aground, or being towed. Note that “underway” in the Rules means “not at anchor, aground, or made fast to the shore.”
Study Rule 35: the text of the rule is available at www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=navRulesContent. There’s a lot to learn, not only for your boat but for other vessels out there lurking just out of sight. Buy a plastic reference card with the sound signals and lights on it, and keep it near the helm. When you hear a loud whistle signal near you that makes you jump out of your skin, you’d better know what is making the sound and what you should do about it.
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AuthorPriscilla Travis spends more than 110 days each year on the water, takes photos, and writes about nautical topics. Archives
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