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2023 OWNER’S MANUAL
SOUND PRODUCING DEVICES
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 use 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
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.
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