2017 OWNERS MANUAL / 24
SOUND PRODUCING DEVICES
The navigation rules require sound signals to be made under certain
circumstances. Meeting, crossing and overtaking situations, which
will be described in some detail shortly, are examples of when sound
signals are required. Recreational vessels are also required to
sound signals during periods of reduced visibility. Your MasterCraft
boat is equipped with a horn, but you may also purchase after-
market devices in case of potential electrical disconnect or failure.
The following are standard signals when using a whistle:
• One prolonged blast: WARNING.
• One short blast: PASS ON MY PORT SIDE.
• Two short blasts: PASS ON MY STARBOARD SIDE.
• Three short blasts: MY ENGINES ARE IN REVERSE.
• Five or more blasts: DANGER!
NOTE: The requirement to carry a bell on board no longer applies
to vessels operating on International Waters.
VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS
All vessels used on coastal waters, the Great Lakes, territorial seas
and those waters connected directly to them up to a point where
Check with local authorities regarding the best visual distress
signal for use in the area in which you will be boating.
Non-pyrotechnic devices may be allowed. These include an orange
distress flag (day signal only) or an electric distress light (which
is acceptable for night use). Use of these devices must still meet
Coast Guard requirements, information for which is available online
and from the Coast Guard.
Under Inland Navigation Rules, a high intensity white light flashing
at regular intervals from 50-70 times per minute is considered
a distress signal. Such devices do NOT count toward meeting
the visual distress signal requirement, however. Regulations
prohibit display of visual distress signals on the water under any
circumstances except when assistance is required to prevent
immediate or potential danger to persons on board a vessel.
All distress signals have distinct advantages. No single device is
ideal under all conditions or suitable for all purposes. Pyrotechnics
are universally recognized as excellent distress signals. However,
there is potential for injury and property damage if not properly
handled. Particular care should be used in stowage of pyrotechnics
if children will be on board. These devices produce a very hot flame
and the residue can cause burns and ignite flammable materials.
a body of water is greater than two miles wide, must be equipped
with U.S.C.G.-approved visual distress signals. Vessels owned in
the United States but operating on the high seas must be equipped
with U.S.C.G.-approved visual distress signals.
Pyrotechnic visual distress signals must be Coast Guard-approved,
in serviceable condition and readily accessible. This means that:
• They are marked with an expiration date. Expired signals may
be carried as extra equipment, but cannot be counted toward
meeting the visual distress signal requirement, since they may be
unreliable.
• If pyrotechnic devices are selected, a minimum of three are
required. That is, three signals for day use and three signals for
night. Some pyrotechnic signals meet both day and night use
requirements.
• Pyrotechnic devices should be stored in a cool, dry location,
if possible. A watertight container painted red or orange
and prominently marked “Distress Signals” or “Flares” is
recommended.
U.S.C.G.-approved pyrotechnic visual distress signals and
associated devices include pyrotechnic red flares, hand-held
or aerial; pyrotechnic orange smoke, hand-held or floating, or
launchers for aerial red meteors or parachute flares.
VDS
REQUIRED
Open Water
Bay
River
VDS
NOT REQUIRED
Less than
2 miles
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