BOATsmart! Base de connaissances du Canada 

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Module 05 - Navigation & Right-of-way Rules

Using Sound Signals for Navigation

• 1 short blast indicates: I am altering my course to starboard (to the right) (International Rule 34a)
• 2 short blasts indicate: I am altering my course to port (to the left) (International Rule 34a)
• 3 short blasts indicate: I am operating my boat in reverse
• 5 rapid blasts indicate: I am unsure of the other boat’s intentions
• 1 long blast indicates: I am leaving the dock and am a motorized boat of 12 m or longer

Exception: If you’re operating a boat on the Great Lakes:

• 1 short blast indicates that I want to pass you on my boat’s port (left) side
• 2 short blasts indicate that I want to pass you on my boat’s starboard (right) side

 

Using sound signals during periods of reduced visibility:

• Sailboats should sound 1 long blast followed by 2 short blasts
• Motorized boats should sound 1 long blast every 2 minutes
• Boats at anchor should blast a sound signal rapidly for about 5 seconds every minute