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WHISTLE, HORN, AND BELL (SIGNALING DEVICES)
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The navigation rules require sound signals to be made under certain
circumstances. Meeting, crossing and overtaking situations described in the
Navigation Rules section are examples of when sound signals are required.
Recreational vessels are also required to sound signals during periods of
reduced visibility. Vessels 39.4 feet/12 meters or more in length are required
to carry on board a whistle or horn. The requirement to carry a bell in
international waters was recently dropped. Any vessel less than 39.4
feet/12 meters in length may carry a whistle or horn, or some other means to
make an efficient sound signal to signal your intentions and to signal your
position in periods of reduced visibility. |
Vessel Class |
Sound Signaling Device Requirement |
Bell Required |
Class A or Class 1 (except for PWC) |
A mouth whistle or a power-operated horn or whistle capable of producing a blast at least two (2) seconds in duration which is audible for a distance of at least one-half (½) mile. |
No |
Class 2 |
A hand-operated or power-operated horn capable of producing a blast of at least two (2) seconds in duration which is audible for a distance of at least one (1) mile. |
Yes |
Class 3 |
A power-operated horn or whistle capable of producing a blast of at least two (2) seconds in duration which is audible for a distance of at least one (1) mile. |
Yes |
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