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.
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.
2021MCOwnerManualFINAL.indd 23 8/26/20 1:51 PM
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