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Equipment for Sound Signals is based on the length of your boat as follows.
Sound signals are to be used only when vessels are in sight of each other and are meeting or crossing at a distance within half a mile of each other. These signals must never be used in fog or other conditions of reduced visibility, where the vessels are not visible to each other by eye. Only the fog signals listed under the Inland Rules, Rule 35 may be sounded at such time. Sound signals are called "blasts". There are two different blasts used for warning and steering signals.
Maneuvering SignalsThere are different blasts combinations for various movements on the water that may use both short and prolonged blasts. When power-driven vessels are in sight of one another and meeting or crossing at a distance within half a mile of each other, each vessel underway, when maneuvering as authorized or required by the Inland rules must use the following sound signals.
Note: Inland Rules regarding sound signals are occasionally different from International Rules. Inland Rules signal intended action and International Rules signal what you are actually doing. The following information reflects Inland Rules. If you travel overseas, you must learn the International Rules. Proper Sound SignalsWhen you meet an oncoming vessel, and wish to pass port to port, you are required to sound one short blast with your horn. If the other boat is in agreement, they should respond with a similar blast. If you approach another vessel head on, and wish to pass it on its starboard side, you are required to sound two short blasts with your horn. If the other vessel is in agreement, they should sound the same signal in response. When you are planning on passing another vessel from behind, there are several things you must do. Any vessel that is overtaking another must keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken. This means that you can't expect them to move, slow down, or change their course. If you plan on passing them on THEIR starboard side, you must sound one short blast. If they understand your signal and agree, they will sound one short blast in response. The vessel being overtaken has a responsibility to maintain course and speed in order to minimize the potential for collision. When you are planning on passing another vessel from behind, there are several things you must do. Any vessel that is overtaking another must keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken. This means that you can't expect them to move, slow down, or change their course. If you plan on passing them on THEIR PORT side, you must sound two short blasts. If they understand your signal and agree, they will sound two short blasts in response. The vessel being overtaken has a responsibility to maintain course and speed in order to minimize the potential for collision.
Note: These are not the only rules concerning sound signals in restricted visibility; there are additional rules concerning sound signals that may be found in the Rules of the Road or in Chapman's Piloting.
When two power-driven vessels encounter each other within one half mile, sound signals must be used. The initiating vessel indicates a maneuver, and the responding vessel agrees or disagrees.
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Sound signals must be audible for at least one-half mile. Some common sound signals that you should be familiar with as a recreational boater are as follows.
Changing Direction
Restricted Visibility
Warning
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Indiana law requires that scuba divers or snorkelers display a diver-down flag to mark the diving area. The diver must stay within 100 feet of the flag. Vessels must stay at least 150 feet away from the flag unless directly involved in supporting the diver. Scuba divers and snorkelers should not place a flag in an area already occupied by other boaters or where their diving operation will impede the normal flow of waterway traffic. Divers also should follow all of the water safety rules themselves. Two types of flags are used to indicate diving activity. Divers Flag: A rectangular red flag, at least 12 x 12 inches in size, with a white diagonal stripe is used to indicate the presence of a submerged diver in the area. Indiana law requires that divers display this flag prominently and stay within 100 feet of the flag. Alfa Flag: A blue-and-white International Code Flag A (or Alfa flag), at least 3.3 feet (one meter) high and visible from all directions, must be displayed on vessels on federally controlled waters. This flag indicates that the vessel is involved in a diving activity.
Federally controlled waters are waters on which vessels must observe federal requirements. These waters include:
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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires some vessels equipped with VHF radios to have a Ship Station License.
For FCC information, call 1-888-225-5322 or visit their website. Page 4
Major organized boating activities to be conducted on public waters require a permit. If you plan to host an event that involves 15 or more watercraft as participants or an event that will draw 50 or more boats as spectators, you will need this permit. Also, if you conduct an event on public waters that will disrupt normal boat traffic, you will need to apply. Page 5
The USCG Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadrons will perform a Vessel Safety Check (VSC) of your vessel and equipment free of charge. This inspection covers federal and state requirements. If your vessel meets all VSC requirements, you will receive a VSC decal. If your vessel fails to meet all requirements, no report is made to any law enforcement agency. Page 6
In addition to adhering to all boating laws, PWC operators have requirements specific to their vessels.
engine cut-off switch (ECOS) A safety device that is designed to shut the engine down if the operator is thrown from the proper operating position Page 7
PWC may be operated during daylight hours only unless equipped with the appropriate lighting. It is illegal to operate a PWC while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A PWC must be operated in a responsible manner. It is illegal to endanger human life, safety, or property. You may not:
As an owner of a PWC, you are legally responsible if you allow anyone else to operate your PWC in violation of Indiana law. |