Boat signals

[Jimmers]

At the entry to the Duluth/Superior harbor ships go under a lift bridge operated by the City of Duluth. When ships arrive, the bridge greets them with a horn blast that’s one long, 2 short. This horn blast is responded to by the lift bridge operator with the same one long, two short blasts. It’s a customary welcome greeting here and a similar horn exchange goes on when a ship is departing, going is safe travels. This is a very loud honk and can be heard for a couple of miles. It also goes on 24/7 whenever a ship arrives or leaves.

Does this happen anywhere else? See attached pictures with bridge raised and lowered. If anyone cares, a fun web site with web cams is duluthharbor.com.

 

[RobbieO]

Those horn blasts definitely mean something. Check it out.

Navigation Sounds : BoatUS Foundation

The BoatUS Foundation provides this study guide to not only help with passing our free online boating safety course, but to provide a knowledge base for anyone wanting to learn about boating.

www.boatus.org

 

[Jimmers]

I know that all the horn beeps are like Morse code, I am curious if there are other ports where ships are greeted and sent out with horn signals?

 

[RobbieO]

I know that all the horn beeps are like Morse code, I am curious if there are other ports where ships are greeted and sent out with horn signals?

I believe its standard protocol everywhere, even when you blow your horn on a pleasure craft.

 

[Augieol65]

Signal to raise the bridge. Happens down here in Chicago on the south branch for the train bridge as well as the Illinois river seneca train bridge.

 

[tdonoughue]

Here is a write up on it...

Navigating Drawbridges Safely

Here are eight tips to keep in mind when waiting for a drawbridge.

www.boatingmag.com

.

 

[zipper]

I know that all the horn beeps are like Morse code, I am curious if there are other ports where ships are greeted and sent out with horn signals?

Yes, It occurs frequently here on Lake Champlain with the LCT passenger/car ferries as they leave the dock. As well as the Sprit of Ethan Allen, an event/sunset cruise ship, 3 short blasts, as they reverse out of dock in Burlington. We hear it frequently from the marina a couple hundred yards away. I had thought about doing similar, since we slip in front of the USCG station. 1 long blast while leaving the slip if backed in or 3 short if I back out. But I have heard no other recreational boaters sound off while leaving, and most would say "What the hell is he doing?"

 

[CA Sterling Archer]

Fun to sit on the outdoor deck at Grandma‘s Saloon & Grill in the summer and watch that lift bridge operate. The horns blowing can definitely wake you up!

 

[TimW451]

I honk when turning a blind corner in the marina. I think 5 short is correct, but often only do 3. I‘m pretty sure everyone there thinks I’m crazy.

 

[Sonic Blue]

You have it correct. 5 short blasts means you are warning of danger OR you don’t understand what another vessel is signalling. Ferries use it for blind corners / entering visually obstructed waterways enroute as a heads-up.

 

[tdonoughue]

IMHO, it is never wrong to do things correctly. Even if they look at you funny--that is on them, not you.

The more people are aware of the signals and use them, the safer our waters are. That benefits us all.

 

[212s]

I had thought about doing similar, since we slip in front of the USCG station. 1 long blast while leaving the slip if backed in or 3 short if I back out. But I have heard no other recreational boaters sound off while leaving, and most would say "What the hell is he doing?"

Yup. I've done it for fun at restaurant docks and everyone stares at you...makes me chuckle. Realistically the horn sounding is for large vessels that can't see well around themselves due to line-of-sight issues, and the blasts are to alert other vessels nearby of their intent to move and which direction they'll move. Some people I've spoken with over the years didn't even know boats had horns...hmm...

 

[212s]

I honk when turning a blind corner in the marina. I think 5 short is correct, but often only do 3. I‘m pretty sure everyone there thinks I’m crazy.

I don't think you're crazy...seen a few close calls because people were not paying attention.

 

[212s]

IMHO, it is never wrong to do things correctly. Even if they look at you funny--that is on them, not you.

The more people are aware of the signals and use them, the safer our waters are. That benefits us all.

I'm sorry, logical thinking is frowned upon. Just look at covid rules.

 

[TimW451]

This just reminded be of an episode of Below Deck, they were coming out of the marina, where they pretty much take up the width of the passage, and this smaller (~40 ft) sailboat plows right past them and yells that they have the right of way because they are entering the marina.

 

[tdonoughue]

In a battle of size vs. right-of-way, size wins.

Jus sayin. Boat defensively.

 

[slickstick]

Down here everyone talks to the bridges over VHF. Haven't heard much horn blowing going on.