Ship Horn Signals Explained:

 

Souheil Jerandi ⚓

Author

📯: Ship Horn Signals Explained: 🔊

Ship horns are the #maritime equivalent of a vehicle's horn, but with standardized meanings.

Every blast communicates critical information. Here's the complete guide:

SHORT BLASTS (1 second)
🔊 1 Short Blast = Altering course to starboard (right);

🔊 2 Short Blasts = Altering course to port (left);

🔊 3 Short Blasts = Engine in reverse / Going astern;

LONG BLASTS (4-6 seconds):

🔊 1 Long Blast = Leaving port / Underway signal;

🔊 2 Long Blasts = Vessel meeting head-on (response signal);

🔊 Prolonged Blast = Fog signal (every 2 minutes in low visibility);

DANGER SIGNALS:

🔊 5+ Short Blasts = Danger / Collision imminent;

🔊 Continuous Blasts = Emergency / Distress signal.

■ Horn signals are regulated by COLREGs.

■ All commercial vessels must have functioning horns.

■ Signals must be audible at least 1 nautical mile away.

■ Proper horn maintenance is a safety requirement

When Signals Are Used?

▪︎Maneuvering in #ports and narrow channels;
▪︎Meeting other vessels at sea;
▪︎ Warning of danger;
▪︎ Communicating in fog or low visibility.