Eight short blasts of a boat horn typically indicate that a vessel is operating in a state of danger or distress, signaling to other boats that it requires assistance. This sound pattern is part of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and serves as a warning to nearby vessels. It is important for mariners to recognize this signal and respond appropriately to ensure safety on the water.
A boat is astern propulsion and is in the act of backing up
3 short blasts
3 short blasts
Three short blasts of a horn on a boat typically indicate that the vessel is operating in reverse. This signal is used to communicate the boat's intentions to other vessels in the vicinity, ensuring safety and preventing collisions. It’s important for all boaters to understand these sound signals as part of navigational rules.
3 short blasts
3 short blasts
passing on the port side from behind
three short blast
When two boats approach each other, they use horn blasts to signal the other about their intentions when it comes to moving to avoid collision. 5 short blasts indicates that the signaling boat is unsure about what the other boat is doing.
3 short blasts
Passing on your starboard (right) side.
Three short blasts tell other boaters, “I am operating astern propulsion.” For some vessels, this tells other boaters, “I am backing up.”