Rules

[Flybyknight]

We all know, or should know, that the one and two blast signals mean entirely different things between the International Rules of the Road, and the Inland Rules of the Road.
Now can anyone please authoritatively tell me where the Rules change from International, to Inland when entering the Chesapeake Bay, and also the Delaware Bay.
Thanks in advance.

Dick

[Flybyknight]

Oops, I found it.
It's the blue dash line before the entrance on my paper charts.
Sorry.

Dick

[P424]

Sorry dont have a chart here but if you look at most charts there is a line on them . I assume those charts must not be marked like others. I dont use my horn like I should so cant help much. I just run under the rules of it doesnt do anygood to be "Dead Rite". especialy with ships and Tugs. I have met some Stupid Captains here in Port Canaveral and wont trust my life to there judgement in general. Not all are stupid but some have made it past the test...

[jackdale]

The demarcation lines are also in the colregs. Right now the link is going elsewhere. I will contact them and let them know.

Navigation Rules Online

[Minnewaska]

Funny, but the sound waves don't know to stop at that demarcation line.

I'm sure this is just a test question, but I operate with the complete understanding that the majority of traffic won't have any idea what the signal actually means.

The single long blast is probably the most effective, since its strictly intended to get one's attention.

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by Minnewaska

The single long blast is probably the most effective, since its strictly intended to get one's attention.

Rule 34 (g) (Inland) When a power-driven vessel is leaving a dock or berth, she shall sound one prolonged blast. [

Rule 36 - Signals to Attraction Attention

If necessary to attract the attention of another vessel, any vessel may make light or sound signals that cannot be mistaken for any signal authorized elsewhere in these Rules, or may direct the beam of her searchlight in the direction of the danger, in such a way as not to embarrass any vessel. Any light to attract the attention of another vessel shall be such that it cannot be mistaken for any aid to navigation. For the purpose of this Rule the use of high intensity intermittent or revolving lights, such as strobe lights, shall be avoided.

The 5 or more shorts is used to get the attention of a vessel whose intentions are unclear.

[jrd22]

I have to agree that most boaters do not know, or use, the proper sound signals. Personally, I don't remember that last time I have either heard, or used ( other than when in fog), sound signals for maneuvering. I would hope that most understand the danger signal (5 short blasts), which unfortunately I hear way too often from the huge ferries here in the San Juans when warning recreational boats that they are about to be become a floating pile of debris unless they wisely choose not to cross the path of the 400' three story car ferry when only 1-200' away that they apparently don't see.

[jackdale]

John all too true. BC ferries are similar. You will hear them in Active Pass sound a signal as they round the bend.

I have heard maneuvering signals. Rounding Trial Island, an ocean going sounded a short and altered course out of the TSZ and headed into Victoria.

[Boasun]

Originally Posted by Flybyknight

We all know, or should know, that the one and two blast signals mean entirely different things between the International Rules of the Road, and the Inland Rules of the Road.
Now can anyone please authoritatively tell me where the Rules change from International, to Inland when entering the Chesapeake Bay, and also the Delaware Bay.
Thanks in advance.
Dick

Actually the one and two short blasts on the whistle have different diffinitions but the action is basically the same.
Such as:
One short blast; Int'l. I am altering my course starboard.
. . . . . . . . . . . Inland, I intend to pass you port to port. But you are still altering your course to starboard.
Int'l. It is what you are doing
Inland. It is what you are going to do after you have a Passing Agreement.

[Minnewaska]

Originally Posted by jackdale

The 5 or more shorts is used to get the attention of a vessel whose intentions are unclear.

The single blast when leaving the dock is the one I was referring to. If I'm not mistaken, it is also used when rounding an obstruction whereby conflicting traffic may not see you. Strictly designed to get your head on a swivel and figure out what is about to start moving. But now that I think of it, I hear race committees firing off the horn all the time and people become fairly immune to it.