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 aftermaket
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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