With VHF radios as common as they are, you don’t hear sound signals on boats very\u00a0much anymore.\u00a0 When you do hear one, it always seems to come as a shock, and sadly, it’s far to easy to have no clue as to what the boat issuing the signal is trying to say.\u00a0 For example, you are sailing along the San Francisco city front, approaching the Bay Bridge, and you hear a vessel sound a single prolonged blast (four to six seconds) followed by three short blasts (one second) what is going on?\u00a0 Easy … the single prolonged blast in this case means “I’m leaving the dock.”\u00a0 Three short blasts means using astern propulsion.\u00a0 In other words, the boat, most likely a ferry,\u00a0is backing away from\u00a0the dock.\u00a0 Where would you be if you hear a prolonged blast followed by a single short blast?\u00a0 Probably\u00a0in the vicinity of a draw bridge (yes, there are still a few on the bay … next to ATT Park is an example).\u00a0 One prolonged followed by one short is the official request to open the bridge.<\/p>\n
Here are a few more examples taken from the\u00a0Inland Waters sections of the Navigation Rules.\u00a0\u00a0Yes, I know\u00a0that in international waters the meaning might be a bit different, however, we are generally in the bay which is considered inland waters, so lets go with those signals for now.<\/p>\n
While on the topic of sound signals, here is another “pet peeve.”\u00a0 You know the pump up sound signals on all of Tradewinds boats?\u00a0 They are totally useless unless the air bottle (signal) and the pump are together … at all times!!!<\/p>\n
One last thing.\u00a0 VHF radios have pretty much replaced the use of sound signals in most circumstances.\u00a0 On the bay, channel 13 is reserved for radio traffic from one ship’s bridge to another.\u00a0 It doesn’t happen often however, occasionally I will hail large vessel traffic in a narrow channel to let them know my intentions before they get nervous.\u00a0 If you decide to do so, remember that you are on a “recorded line.” Follow radio etiquette and be professional.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
With VHF radios as common as they are, you don’t hear sound signals on boats very\u00a0much anymore.\u00a0 When you do hear one, it always seems to come as a shock, and sadly, it’s far to easy to have no clue … Continue reading