Fog Signals on the Water for Personal Watercraft
The law also prescribes signals to identify vessels navigating in or near areas of restricted visibility. Upon hearing a fog signal apparently forward of the beam, the operator should reduce speed to the minimum at which the boat can be kept on course, unless it has been determined by radar or other means that the risk of collision does not exist. If necessary, the operator should use reverse propulsion. In any event, navigate with extreme caution until any danger is over.
Motorboats: Making way through the water, sound, at intervals of not more than two minutes, one prolonged blast. Under way but stopped and making no way through the water, sound, at intervals of not more than two minutes, two prolonged blasts in succession, with an interval of about two seconds between them.
Sailboats or Vessels Not Under Command, Restricted in Ability to Maneuver, Towing or Pushing Another Vessel, or Engaged in Fishing with Nets or Trawling: Sound at intervals of not more than two minutes, one prolonged followed by two short blasts.
Boats at Anchor: Ring, at intervals of not more than one minute, a bell rapidly for about five seconds. In addition, one short blast followed by one prolonged and one short blast may be sounded to give warning of position and of the possibility of collision to an approaching vessel. ¦ Boats less than 39 feet 4 inches (12 meters) in length may, instead of the above, make an efficient sound signal at intervals of not more than two minutes. ¦ Boats less than 65 feet 7 inches (20 meters) are not required to sound signals when anchored in a federally designated anchorage area.
