sailboat is underway in the fog sound signal

A Sailboat Is Underway In The Fog. What Sound Signal Should You Hear?

Boating in times of restricted visibility is dangerous, it can cause accidents or can cause the driver or operator to hit a rock or any harmful object . For this reason, there are lots of restrictions for boaters during restricted visibility. Times of restricted visibility include during fog or at night, there are various signals used to alert operators that a boat or a ship is ahead.

Safety signals have been developed to ensure safety in these situations, they’re sound and light signals you have to rely on in order to drive safely to your destination. Knowing the signals will help minimize lots of accidents and that’s why we’re going to share signals used during times of restricted visibility such as fog .

What Is A Restricted View?

Restricted view doesn’t mean an object has blocked your sight completely, when it comes to boating it means you’re not able to see or be seen clearly.

In other words, it’s difficult to see other boats or ships, and they won’t be able to see you coming as well. You’re also not able to see objects like rocks in front of you, you’ll experience restricted view for basically two reasons;

Poor weather/Fog ; When the rainstorms or there is a fog and mist, you’ll experience restricted visibility. Bad weather is the cause of poor visibility during the day, hence it’s necessary to check the weather forecast before setting out on the water.

A lot of accidents are caused by the weather because drivers and operators can’t see clearly what is ahead of them. It’s better to postpone your trip when the weather isn’t good.

Night ; This is another factor that leads to restricted visibility, you’ll end up not seeing anything during the night or at sunrise.

Normally, no one will plan their trip in the night, but one might be caught when they experience technical problems on their boats such as when having battery or engine failure.

Extra care needs to be taken in such situations before returning home or at the dock. You’ll end up facing a lot of obstacles at night.

Rules For Operating During Restricted Visibility

• All boats/vessels must move at a safe speed; No speeding in times of restricted visibility, every vessel should be ready to maneuver when the weather changes.
• Unless there isn’t any risk of collision, if the driver/operator hears a sound or fog signal but can’t see the vessel ahead, they must stop or reduce the speed to a bare minimum in order to avoid a collision.

These Are Some Of The General Rules That Apply During Restricted Visibility.

When A Sailboat Is Underway In The Fog, What Sound Signal Should You Hear?

There are both sound and light signals sent when there is restricted visibility and each has a code, let’s take a look at them and the rules that govern them as well.

Sound Signals When Fog Is Underway

• For every two minutes, power-driven boats are required to send one prolonged blast.
• Sailing boats should use one prolonged blast, followed by 2-short blasts every 2-minutes.
• When a power drive vessel stops, it needs to send 2-prolonged blasts every two minutes.
• A vessel tied to anchor should blast 5 rapid bell strokes every one minute.
• A manned towed vessel should send a 1-prolonged blast with 3-short blasts every two minutes.

Types Of Sound Signals To Send When Fog Is Underway

Basically, you can make a sound on a boat using three different tools and there are conditions for each. Let’s take a look at these sound tools, when and how they should be used to send a signal when fog is underway;

• Horn/Whistle ; It’s suited for larger vessels, horn blast should be heard within the range of 1.5 to 2-nautical miles away, it should be registered at 143-decibels. It is supposed to be mounted on the highest point of a boat; it also shouldn’t be placed in a way that it can cause damage.
• The Bell ; It’s another tool used to send a signal when fog is underway. It’s required that the diameter of the bell should be at least 300mm for boats that have a length more than 20 meters, and 200mm for boats with a length between 12-20 meters. The striker, on the other hand, should be 3% of the total mass of the bell. It’s preferred to be ringed manually but can as well operate under power.
• Gong ; A Gong has to be corrosion resistant; The sound should be clear and has to be different from that of a bell. There are different sound devices out there that can make sounds similar to these devices, they can be used as well.

Light Signals When Fog Is Underway Or If There Is A Restricted Visibility

• When the boat approaching your vessel’s starboard side has a red portlight, it is indicating you’re in a danger zone and it means you should approach further.
• When there is a green light, it means you’re on the right way.
• A vessel that doesn’t have a masthead light means it’s not a power-driven boat.
• If a vessel is towed, it’s under the control of another boat, it will have the right of the powerboat driving it.
• If the light isn’t visible under heavy rain or fog, the light will not be useful in such a case, sound signals must be used instead. In such a situation it’s advised to reduce the speed to a minimum and when you hear a sound you should stay idle.

Different Lights On A Boat

• Masthead lights ; it’s a white light shining forward and on the sides of the vessel, all power-driven vessels should have this light display on them.
• Stern light ; it’s also a white light that can be seen from the rear.
• Sidelights . They’re mounted on both sides of the vessel and each side has a different color, it’s a green light on the vessel’s starboard and a red light on the vessel’s port side.
• All-round light ; it’s used by power vessels that are less than 39.4 feet, it combines both stern light and masthead light. The result of the combination is to produce a strong white light that can be seen from all sides of the boat. It’s used as an anchor light when the sidelights aren’t working.

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A Sailboat is Underway in the Fog. What Sound Signal Should You Hear

Written by J. Harvey / Fact checked by S. Numbers

Consider this scenario: You’re sailing along in open waters with minimal visibility (i.e. restricted view). Soon enough, your instincts start wondering “a sailboat is underway in the fog. What sound signal should you hear?”

Assuming the one captaining the vessel is familiar with boating in fog signals, he or she should:

• Sound one prolonged blast plus two short blasts every two minutes lasting from four up to six seconds. These should be produced in intervals of at most two minutes.
• If the sailboat is motor-driven, the captain should sound one prolonged blast every two minutes or with the same interval as above.

Table of Contents

What is Restricted View? Rules for Operating

How to prepare for fog while boating, list of sounds and their meanings, common sounds, sounds to communicate with fellow boaters, sounds to make your location known, other signals.

It’s an instance when various factors limit your view or ability to be seen any time you’re out sailing. It can be due to natural factors like weather conditions that bring plenty of rain and fog. Other vessels and even structures, natural or artificial, can affect it, too.

Knowing what to do during restricted visibility environments only ensures your safety. It’s not just about knowing what to hear when a powerboat is underway in the fog, but being familiar with a whole lot of regulations as outlined in COLREGS (Collision Regulations).

COLREGS rules when operating in conditions of reduced visibility can be summed up as follows:

• Boats must always operate at an appropriate speed based on the present conditions and limited visibility.
• Once you’ve detected another watercraft by radar, the first instinct should always be to evade it without delay.
• When complying with navigation rules, vessel operators must always factor in, if not prioritize, the specific conditions brought about by restricted view.
• Motor-powered vessels must always be ready to perform the necessary maneuver to avoid collisions. That answers the question, “What immediate action should you take?” if your boat belongs to that category.
• Once you hear the horn signal of the other vessel or can’t avoid coming near the vessel forwards of the boat’s beam, the first course of action should always be to decrease speed up to the minimum allowable to keep the vessel on course.
• Alter course to starboard for vessels forward of the beam; the same applies to vessels abeam or abaft the beam on the port quarter. Change course to port for boats abeam or abaft the beam on the starboard quarter.
• Certain evading actions are discouraged, such as altering course to port for a boat “forwards of the beam”, except if the intent is to overtake. The same goes for maneuvers towards a boat “abeam or abaft the beam”.
• Unless you’ve ascertained that there’s no longer any risk of collision with another vessel, always exercise extreme caution.

Besides learning horn signals for boats and standard procedures during limited visibility situations, it won’t hurt to be a few extra steps ahead to anticipate foggy conditions every time you take your boat out.

Here are a few strategies a lot of experienced skippers can attest to:

• Don’t be a speed demon as much as possible. Be open to stopping and anchoring anywhere and any time should the need arise (i.e. the fog gets too thick).
• Always check the weather forecast. Be mindful of how serious the possible fog conditions will be.
• Find the right crew to work with and instill in them the mindset that they should be ready to assist you during difficult and emergency situations. Having someone check how thick the fog is getting regularly is already a big help.
• Always inspect your boat’s safety equipment, especially the navigational lights and horns, before embarking. I can say the same for the electronics and emergency kits you bring along.
• When visibility is restricted due to fog, a GPS can be a literal godsend. Having a digital map of the immediate area and being able to know where your boat is currently, all available on a nifty screen, is hard to top.

It has definitely spared me from becoming my (usual) bundle of nerves if I find myself in extra-dense fog. Want proof? Here’s a video of Capt. Scott saying nice things about this helpful tool:

• Last but not least, always take the time to familiarize yourself with your boat. Know its capabilities and limitations, especially when making safety maneuvers during restricted-visibility conditions.

Besides the sailboat underway in fog signal mentioned here, you should also learn all the other sound signals that apply to restricted visibility:

• One prolonged blast every 2 minutes

This means, “I’m moving!” and is made by a motor-driven vessel underway and moving through the water.

• Two prolonged horn blasts in succession with 2-second intervals every 2 minutes

The boat is underway but not progressing through the water. It simply announces its presence but not necessarily moving.

• One long horn blast followed by three short ones every 2 minutes.

This means, “I’m being towed!” so you have to steer clear of the boat.

• One prolonged blast and two short ones.

The boat cannot move, whether due to circumstances beyond its control (such as broken engines) or the work it’s doing (e.g. mine clearance, servicing pipelines).

• Bell rings for five seconds every minute.

This means, “I’m anchored!”. Generally used to warn other boats that the vessel is not moving.

Based on the pattern of the sound signals for boats as explained above, there are technically only two commonly-used sounds involved when warning other vessels: a short blast that typically lasts no more than a second and a long one that can last between 4 to 6 seconds.

There are other boating sound signals that aren’t necessarily related to restricted visibility. These include the following:

• I’m changing my direction to starboard.

This is communicated with one short blast.

• I’m changing my direction to port.

Vessels emit two short blasts for this.

• I’m reversing.

You’ll hear three short blasts if the vessel is applying astern propulsion.

• I’m in danger.

When you hear 5 short blasts from another vessel’s horn, this typically connotes trouble. You can also use that sound pattern to say that you don’t understand or don’t agree with a vessel’s course of action.

• Three separate bell strokes before or after rapid ringing.

This means, “I’m aground!”. Used to warn nearby vessels.

• Two long whistle blasts followed by one short one

This means the vessel plans to overtake another boat on the latter’s starboard side.

• Two long whistle blasts followed by two short ones

This means the watercraft intends to overtake another boat on the latter’s port side.

Besides sound signals, you can also use flags, flares, radio signals, hand signals, and emergency beacons to communicate with other boat operators. However, as is obvious from their purpose and design, all of these are used to convey that you are in distress and need aid.

Good examples include:

• Standard “mayday” and SOS codes sent via radio
• An orange flare during the day or a red flare held by hand during nighttime
• Raising and lowering your sideward outstretched arms

Fog will inevitably make any boater’s life difficult. But I can always argue that being able to overcome them is what makes boating more memorable and gratifying.

I hope that you now have a good inkling of what to expect if a sailboat is underway in the fog. What sound signal should you hear again? One prolonged blast followed by two short ones or one long blast every two minutes for sailing or motor-driven vessels, respectively.

Don’t stop there, though. Go all the way and learn every sound signal and other distress signs you need to make to ensure your safety.

“My intention from the first day establishing Boating Basics Online is to provide as much help as possible for boaters who want to experience a first safe and convenient trip. So feel free to join us and share your beautiful journeys to the sea!”

Navigation Sounds

Just as lights play a significant role in understanding what other boats are doing, so do sounds. understanding what you hear is another step towards being a "complete mariner". virtually every boat is required to have some sound producing device. there is a great deal of latitude in what type of sound making device you choose, but loud is good, legal requirements.

Equipment for Sound Signals is based on the length of your boat as follows.

• Boats less than 39.4 feet in length - must carry an efficient sound producing device. In general, this may be a bell, whistle, or air horn. Though guns--even pots and pans--can make a suitable sound signal useful in getting attention in an emergency, you should always carry the appropriate equipment.
• Boats at least 39.4 feet to less than 65.6 feet in length - Must carry a whistle and a bell. The whistle must be audible for 1/2 nautical mile. The mouth of the bell must be at least 7.87 inches in diameter.

When and How to Sound Off

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.

• Short Blast - Lasts about one second.
• Prolonged Blast - Lasts from four to six seconds.

Maneuvering Signals

There 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.

• One Short Blast - This means "I intend to leave you on MY port side". When you pass near another boat, you will manuever by leaving them on your left side as you pass. If you are behind another boat, going the same direction and about to overtake it, one short blast means: "I intend to pass you on YOUR starboard side, MY port side".
• One Prolonged Blast - This means you are leaving a dock or departing your slip. It signals to others a change in status and that you are getting underway. A prolonged blast is also sounded when a vessel is approaching a bend in a river where vessels coming from another direction cannot be seen. It is sometimes referred to as the “blind bend signal".
• Two Short Blasts - This means "I intend to leave you on MY starboard side". When you pass near another boat, you will manuever by leaving them on your right side as you pass. If you are behind another boat, going the same direction and about to overtake it, two short blasts means: "I intend to pass you on YOUR port side, MY starboard side."
• Three Short Blasts - This means you are operating in astern propulsion, for example backing away from a dock
• One Prolonged Blast + Three Short Blasts – This is technically two different signals in succession. One prolonged blast indicates you are getting under way, and three short blasts indicate you are backing up. This is what is sounded when you are departing a dock in reverse.
• Five Short Blasts - This is the DANGER signal. Remember, that when you approach another vessel and hear either one or two short blasts, and you both understand their signal and can safely let them do it, then you are required to respond with the same signal in response. However, if you don't understand their intentions, or feel that their proposed maneuver is dangerous to either vessel, then you are required to sound the DANGER signal.

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 Signals

Passing port to port.

When 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.

Passing Starboard to Starboard

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.

Overtaking on Portside

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.

Overtaking on Starboard

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.

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Navigating Fog

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Even with all the electronic eyes and ears on our modern vessels, fog at sea can bring on disorientation, panic, and danger. Here's how to get ready and deal with it.

Photo: Mel Neale

When you're boating in fog, your perception of the world around you changes dramatically. Basic instincts don't work well, if at all.

Your normal sources of information about what's around you become virtually useless, and it's easy to grow confused and disoriented.

If you suspect fog may roll in, immediately turn on all relevant navigational instruments and note your compass course. When fog descends, immediately turn on all relevant navigational instruments. Radar and other hardware require warming up, perhaps for up to three minutes — an eternity if you can't see and there's danger nearby. Turn on your navigation lights; verify the horn is working; have your bell ready, if you carry one; get out spotlights (they may help or hinder, but have them at hand); and ready safety gear.

Note your compass course and bearings to geographical features and dangers. These include boats, reef, shoals, and aids to navigation (ATON). Do this with the actual compass, and also use the chartplotter, radar, and paper charts. Program your chartplotter with appropriate waypoints and/or routes, if you haven't already done so. It may be appropriate to pick out a safe area and put in a "go to" route.

Everyone should wear life jackets outfitted with a strobe, whistle, and other appropriate safety equipment. You won't be seen if you go in the water.

If you're in restricted waters, stop if it's prudent. (More on this later.) If you're in open water with no known hazards, it's usually safe to proceed, slowing down to a speed suitable for the circumstances, which usually means moving just enough to maintain steerage and control. The faster you're running, the quicker you must react to dangers that may present themselves with little advance warning. Begin sound signals as required by the U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules. See Rules 35, 34, and 2 as well as all others applicable to the situation.

Set up extra watch. Usually this involves having all available on deck and assigned a watch task. If only two people are aboard, obviously one must be at the helm. To the extent that this person can watch visually, he or she should, but often visibility is limited to just a few feet and that person is also concentrating on the radar, chartplotter, and other instruments.

The person on watch frequently stands outside the steering station, peering into the fog and listening. Visibility, such as it is, should be better outside without the misting of the windshield or windscreen. And the swirling mist makes phantom shapes that are confusing. But occasionally, as you become accustomed to fog, you'll begin to pick out temporary density changes, which may indicate a target.

The outside watchperson should have a good set of binoculars but may not use them unless they're needed to clarify an anomaly because the lenses quickly mist up in fog. When you do peer into the fog with binoculars, be prepared to see anything from nothing to shapes that are very different from what you saw with your eyes. Also look for other clues: Wakes, for example, can indicate that a boat has recently passed.

It's also easier to hear outside. Any unusual sound should be considered suspect and should be checked out. In fog, the tiniest noise from your boat may distort or drown out the slightest noise from another boat. Sometimes it helps to temporarily kill the engine to better hear, but I'm normally reluctant to do this because I never know when I might need to quickly get out of the way of something. However, circumstances may call for this.

Fog not only muffles sounds; it plays tricks with them. It's often very difficult to know the direction of a sound. If you hear something, try to get a general idea of direction, alert the helm, and use radar and/or the chartplotter and charts to sort it out. Use fog sound signals. You may also need to call out on the VHF. Examples of sounds that you may hear include fog signals from other vessels, engines, tidal rips, breaking waves, wakes, land sounds such as sirens or traffic, signals on ATON, and even people talking.

It may be best for the lookout to be at or near the bow. You can see things sooner, and there is less hindrance from your engine noise. With sufficient crew, a lookout on the stern is also helpful, watching for overtaking vessels and acting as a double check on the bow lookout. Be sensitive to smells. We've smelled land, rocks, other boats (from their exhaust or moldy hulls), commercial fishing boats, buoys, and even tidal changes.

Reach Out To The Other Boaters Out There

Not only do you want to know what's out there; you also want all other boats to know you're there and where you're going. The Rules of the Road call for specific fog signals. But if it's prudent to do so, skippers will very briefly pause occasionally to be sure that their signal isn't drowning out another signal.

Remember, sound signals may not be heard in an enclosed wheelhouse with the noise of a motor in the background. Also, it may be difficult to determine the direction of a sound source in the fog.

Someone should be assigned to monitor and respond to VHF radio broadcasts. ("Yes, I'm the target approximately a quarter-mile to the east of Red 14 in the Indian River, proceeding at 3 knots on a course of 180 degrees, and I do have you on my radar.") It's better to have someone other than the person at the helm, who may be very busy.

It may also be helpful to call out a brief "sécurité" on the VHF radio giving your position, course, vessel name, and type. But if there are too many boats around you, this may become counterproductive if everyone is calling. Use your best judgment as to when to transmit. ALWAYS listen for other calls and respond if prudent.

When you give your position, it may be appropriate to give not only your latitude and longitude but also your position relative to a known ATON or landmark. Many skippers are so busy in fog that by the time they determine the location of a lat/long position, it may be too late. Some commercial vessels and large yachts with sophisticated equipment can tell quickly what your lat/long means to them and will probably know your location, speed, and bearing. But you won't know whether the other vessel is so equipped. Obviously, an automatic identification system (AIS) can be invaluable in a fog situation. However, there will still be vessels, as well as other objects, not equipped with AIS.

If there are enough crew, assign a person to help the helmsperson. Steering to a radar screen, chartplotter, computer screen, or compass when you can't see is difficult unless you're experienced. Practice in good weather to get the feel for it when you're socked in. This will help to prepare you for the emotional jolt you'll experience when you're behind the wheel in the soup.

Photo: Onne van der Wal

In good weather and open water, with at least one other competent person aboard to keep watch for other boats and dangers, force yourself to steer toward and away from a radar image without letting yourself look at anything but the radar. Do the same for a target on a chartplotter or the combined screen overlay. If your target is a far distance off, this may not be a problem, but if it's at close range, it may be very difficult. If the target is moving, or if there are other targets around, it's even more challenging. Steering blind can add an element of panic.

Radars and chartplotters don't have an instant real-time acquisition and refresh rate. It isn't going to be as close to real time as seeing that target with your eyes. Complicating the situation, you'll probably be moving much slower than usual, so your boat will respond more sluggishly. As you try to compensate for a new image on the screen, which has suddenly jumped off to the side, your boat isn't going to react like you expect when you turn the wheel, and this can cause a tendency to overshoot or undershoot.

I steer best if I quickly look at the compass and get a bearing when I'm concerned about a target on the radar or a bearing on the chartplotter. This works for me because I've been steering compass courses for more than 60 years. Other tactics might work better for you. Learn to use and interpret the displays on your electronics intuitively. You won't have time to figure it out when you're fogged in.

Your radar doesn't necessarily show you everything out there. It may miss some targets completely, especially if it isn't adjusted correctly for the circumstances (rain, sea clutter, mist). Some radars automatically adjust to some interference, but never rely on this function completely. Learn to distinguish targets. A blob looks like a blob, but a big steel ship, for example, will generally create a much larger blob than a buoy.

Disappearing and reappearing blobs are common. Sometimes it's because of a wave, an echo, or some other anomaly. Sometimes it's because of a small boat or obstruction. I've even picked up a flock of geese in V formation — even when the set was properly tuned. Become familiar with how your set reacts to different phenomena. Your boat may create radar reflections, particularly if there's a mast or other structure behind the antenna.

Learn how to determine whether a target you see on radar is closing with you. This is relatively easy when you're also using your eyes with good visibility. But in the fog (or at night), it can be quite difficult unless you understand your radar and how to use it, including collision prediction. Depending on your boat, you may want to have a radar reflector up so other radar-equipped boats can see you.

Fog will probably happen to you sooner or later. Plan now, prepare now. You'll be glad you did when your world disappears from view.

Nobody Move, Nobody Gets Hurt?

Often, when caught in fog in rivers or other inland waters, there's a place to pull out of the channel and drop the hook. Your chartplotter and depth finder can be helpful. But consider the safety issues. For example, while being followed, don't stop without giving notice to the following boat and then receiving its agreement. And anchoring just to the side of the channel can be dangerous, as other boats may be traveling outside the channel. It's not unusual for shallower-draft vessels to deliberately proceed outside the channel during fog in order to avoid larger vessels.

We usually prefer to anchor with a fleet of boats (if there's room to safely do so), well positioned out of the channel. With many boats clustered together, we know there's probably a more conspicuous radar target. But if something does come your way, it'll be difficult to move quickly, if needed.

You may want to anchor in the vicinity of an ATON; you'll know where you are and can tell other boats. But you should be well out of the channel in a place where the water is deep enough and there are no obstructions.

Anchor sufficiently away from the ATON so as to not present a confusing target to other traffic proceeding by radar. Anchoring too close can confuse others about the location of the ATON and can lead them to think that they're seeing an echo of the ATON target and thus disregard the "echo" that is actually your boat. Continue to monitor VHF and be prepared to tell other vessels your location.

Which VHF Channel?

The FCC confused communications some time ago, in my opinion, by asking pleasure boats to use Channel 9 for calling in order to relieve congestion on Channel 16, rather than actively prosecuting the people abusing 16. Channel 16 is the hailing and distress channel. Most commercial traffic monitors that frequency. Channel 13 is the bridge-to-bridge frequency, and most commercial traffic also stands by there. This is important to know when you're in fog.

When we call out a sécurité, we call on 16 and also on 13 because we feel these are the most relevant channels. We also monitor both frequencies. Monitoring 13 often gives insight into what's going on because you can hear commercial traffic talking about what they're doing to handle the situation. Sometimes two tugs talking a few miles away first alerts us to an actual fog bank. We don't rely on scanners for monitoring multiple VHF channels because these sometimes miss all or parts of transmissions. Instead, we have two VHF sets at the helm.

When we transmit, we state our frequency so that a responding vessel knows which frequency to use to respond. If you stand by on VHF 9 to the exclusion of the other two, you may miss important transmissions. Channel 13 transmits only on 1 watt, by default, on most sets, but better sets have a temporary manual override. Only transmit if necessary.

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Technical Editor, BoatUS Magazine

One of the top technical experts in the marine industry, Tom Neale, BoatUS Magazine Technical Editor, has won nine first-place awards from Boating Writers International, and is author of the magazine’s popular "Ask The Experts" column. His depth of technical knowledge comes from living aboard various boats with his family for more than 30 years, cruising far and wide, and essentially learning how to install, fix, and rebuild every system onboard himself. A lawyer by training, for most of his career Tom has been an editor and columnist at national magazines such as Cruising World, PassageMaker, and Soundings. He wrote the acclaimed memoir All In The Same Boat (McGraw Hill), as well as Chesapeake Bay Cruising Guide, Vol. 1. These days, Tom and his wife Mel enjoy cruising their 2006 Camano 41 Chez Nous with their grandchildren.

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10 Tips for Boating in Foggy Conditions

Boating in fog with reduced visibility requires some special attention for boaters and sailors of all skill levels. Sometimes, unexpected foggy conditions can arise and make boating safely more challenging than it would normally be. The main danger is the reduced visibility of fog. Along with blocking your vision, fog can cause sounds to bounce around and travel abnormally, making it challenging to figure out which direction they're coming from. Fog can also be very disorienting, and even with modern electronics , losing all sense of direction is possible. So, how will you handle it? These tips are sure to help.

How to Boat in Foggy Conditions

1. Preparedness is Key

If the weather forecast includes fog or you arrive at the boat to see fog obscuring your views, leave the lines tied until conditions improve.

2. Slow Down

Any time visibility is reduced, you should reduce your boat's speed because you won't see obstructions, channel markers, or other boats until they're much closer than usual.  You must also ensure you have plenty of time to react if something suddenly appears out of the mist. Slowing down in a powerboat also reduces engine and wind noise, which makes it easier to hear other boats that may be passing nearby.

3. Don't Be Afraid to Drop Anchor, If Necessary

Stop and drop your anchor if you're in a low-traffic area and can't comfortably proceed. Often, fog will decrease as the day progresses or a breeze picks up. Simply waiting it out may be the best move. Note, however, that we've stipulated that this is only true in areas with little traffic. Stopping is often the worst thing you can do in a busy channel or inlet because other boats are likely to come upon you in short order. Also, remember that even when at anchor, it's incumbent upon you to make the appropriate sound signals.

How to Anchor a Boat

4. Know and Use Your Sound Signals

Powerboats underway should give a prolonged blast (four to six seconds) of the horn once every two minutes.

• If the boat is drifting, it should be two blasts.
• When at anchor, it's a short blast (one second) followed by a prolonged one, followed by one more short sound signal.
• If you have a bell aboard, ringing it for five seconds is also acceptable.

5. Utilize Your Onboard Electronics

Be sure to equip your boat with the appropriate electronics and know how to use them. A good GPS/Chart potter will help you tremendously when it comes to keeping your boat on course in the fog. What it won't do, of course, is help you see through the fog.  This is where radar becomes invaluable. If you spend lots of time on the water or make extended voyages and encountering fog is likely, it's wise to equip your boat with radar. In both cases, however, we need to stress that learning to use these electronics before you need to depend upon them is critical.  It takes some time and practice to get accustomed to using both GPS and radar, and when you're socked in by thick fog, they will only help you if you are thoroughly familiar with operating them and interpreting what you see on their screens.

6. Enlist the Help of Your Crew

As the boat captain , you must monitor your route while monitoring the engine gauges and navigational screens .  While it might not harm to glance down at the helm for a second in normal conditions, in a thick fog with reduced visibility, you should always have at least one pair of eyes—and more is better—looking around. So, assign crew members to different zones to monitor (fore, aft, port, and starboard), and have them help you maintain a lookout at all times.

7. Turn On Your Navigational Lights

Many boaters don't flip the switch when fog sets in, thinking they will only be used in the darkness. But your lights should be turned on any time visibility is reduced, and having your running lights on (or the anchor light, if at anchor) will make it a lot easier for other boaters to spot you in heavy fog.

8. Watch Your Depth Finder or Fish Finder

Keeping tabs on the depth can help you glean much information about exactly where you are and which way you're traveling, especially when you can compare the depth readings with charts or a Chartplotter. It can help you stay out of busy shipping channels, tell you if you're heading towards or away from shore in many areas, and offer some warning if you're headed for a shoal or shallow waters.

How to Use a Fish Finder

9. Find a Focus Point

Rather than staring into a foggy nothingness, find the point where you see the fog and the water meet and focus your gaze there. Focusing on the fog can cause you to lose all points of reference and start driving in circles. But by using the "horizon" as a focal point, you can usually go (more or less) in a straight direction.

10. Listen for Echoes

When near land, listen for the echoes of your sound signals. This can help you determine if you're getting closer to or farther away from land, and it can also help you find river or creek mouths if you're paralleling land and that echo suddenly disappears. Remember, fog can increase the danger factor. So, as we said in tip number one, simply avoid boating in foggy conditions when possible.

Read Next: 10 Tips for Boating at Night

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Sailing In The Fog – What You Need To Know And Do

Ben Eriksen Carey July 15, 2014 Words 1 Comment

Sound Signals and VHF Protocol in the Fog

Our recent 3 day Morse Alpha sail training expedition in beautiful Maine offered a wide variety of sailing conditions. We saw gusts to 30 knots the first day out, thick fog the second, and light winds the third. The perfect course… a little bit of everything, couldn’t have planned it better myself.

We had fun tucking in a 2nd reef, then a 3rd, then shaking them all, and re-tucking them! We experimented with balance, moving our center of effort forward then aft to feel the effects of each sail individually.

But when the fog rolled in overnight, and the southeasterly winds persisted the next morning, we knew we weren’t going to be able to avoid traveling in the fog. We delayed as much as possible, spending time below going over sail theory, sail trim and learning the nuts and bolts of navigation in the fog. But 1100 came, and we had to catch the tide.

The Scenario

We conservatively motored our way through the Casco Passage, a tight channel with a strong 2-3 knot current and about a thousand lobster traps, or so it seemed—we were too busy to count. Making our way west towards The Deer Island Thorofare we heard the schooner Mary Day on the VHF giving a securité (pronounced “secure-a-tay”) call, announcing their name, location, direction of travel, and that they were under sail. They were just  making their way past Stonington, eastbound. It was obviously socked in there too, bad news.

A sailing vessel replied to their securité call and asked for clarification on the Mary Day’s direction of travel and exact location (on a working channel, NOT 16). Then went on to ask how thick the fog was there. Captain Barry  let him know he was “ socked-in just north of Russ Island “. To which the sailboat replied, “D o you think I should drop anchor here, right where I am if it’s really thick there?”

“Well Cap, I can’t really say. That’s up to you to decide.” Barry responded.

“Well, I think I’ll keep going then.” the yachtsman stated.

“Just keep sounding your horn, and we should pass each other safely” said Barry.

“We don’t have a horn.”

“Oh. Well Cap, that’s not good” said Barry calmly, surely holding back a few expletives and his opinion of the yachtsman’s seamanship on this public VHF forum.

A Sound Solution

As a sailing vessel with an auxiliary engine, we are required, under normal circumstances, to sound one of two (we are either a sailing vessel or a power-driven vessel) different sound signals in the fog as started clearly by Rule 35. It’s not an option! And besides, we kinda like to toot our  horn!

Rule 35 – Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility (view full rule)

(a) A  power-driven vessel  making way through the water shall sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes one prolonged blast. (—)

(c) A vessel  not under command , a vessel  restricted in her ability to maneuver   whether underway or at anchor ,  a vessel constrained by her draft , a  sailing vessel , a vessel  engaged in fishing   whether underway or at anchor  and a vessel engaged in towing or pushing another vessel shall, instead of the signals prescribed in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Rule, sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes three blasts in succession, namely one prolonged followed by two short blasts. (— • •)

*note: prolonged = 4-6 seconds, short = 1 second.

A Radio Solution

All vessels are allowed to give securité calls on the VHF, you don’t have to be  large or restricted in your ability to maneuver. Securité calls are preferably made on channel 13, but unfortunately not everyone monitors 13. So channel 16 is used frequently. Please monitor channel 13! As a recreational vessel, we exercise diligence when giving securité calls, trying to reserve their use to narrow channels, busy commercial lanes, or when radar targets of concern are within a mile or two. But if there is ever doubt, we get on the radio and broadcast a securité.

How To Give An Effective Securité Call

Securité, Securité, Securité.

This is the forty-four foot sailing vessel Rocinante .

We are motor-sailing eastbound through the Fox Island Thorofare, just passing red nun number ten, off Iron Point.

Any concerned traffic please respond on channel one-three or one-six.

This is the sailing vessel Rocinante standing by on one-three and one-six.

The Prudent Solution

But no matter what we decide to do, underlying many of the decisions we make aboard Rocinante is the desire to be able to explain our actions in a court of law. We often ask ourselves, if an accident were to happen, would we be able to justify our every action and prove that we acted in the most prudent, responsible manner, and maintained the highest standards of seamanship. This may seem like a fearful way of living and sailing, but we don’t see it that way. Rather, it provides a very clear guideline for making decisions. If our yachtsman in the conversation above were to have had a collision with the Mary Da y, surely his lack of a horn would not hold up well in court. A very simple, inexpensive piece of gear could cost him his entire vessel (insurance payout).

Very timely! I am getting ready to head out today and I anticipate fog all weekend here in the Puget Sound. Your article was a good refresher for me. I just finished mounting and wiring my horn yesterday!

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• How to sail and navigate through fog safely

Fog at sea can be far more treacherous than rough conditions with high winds and large waves, particularly  for smaller vessels. Visibility may be almost zero, increasing the risk of colliding with other boats, the shore, or other obstacles. If fog draws in at sea, your first priority should be to ensure the safety of your crew, start using appropriate signals and take steps to make your boat as visible as possible.

Orientate yourself in fog using all your senses

Poor or near-zero visibility may be the main concern when navigating in fog , but it is not the only challenge for the crew. Fog also distorts and dampens sound, causing it to reflect and travel in unusual ways which can make it difficult to determine which direction a sound is coming from. Even with sophisticated technology like navigation, GPS, and radar, it is possible to lose track of a boat's position and its heading in foggy conditions.

But that doesn't mean that sailing in fog is impossible. It just places significantly greater demands on the sailors and their experience and ability. In general, if the fog is close to shore and you are not sure if it will clear at sea, it is worth postponing departure from the marina or anchorage. If you are caught by fog at sea , several steps should be taken to maintain safety and minimize potential damage, based on sailing regulations as well as the expertise of experienced mariners.

The first steps to take when the fog starts rolling in

Avoid sailing in fog if you can, especially if sailing is more of a leisure activity for you and you haven't logged thousands of nautical miles. This means watching the weather forecast  before setting sail and, if necessary, using your experience to judge whether fog is likely to develop during your trip. If there is already fog in port, it is better to wait until it clears so you can enjoy the beauty of sailing unhindered.

Out at sea, however, fog can easily catch you off guard and if this happens, you must act quickly. The safety of the crew comes first. All members should be fully-clothed and wearing life jackets, because, in the event of a collision, there may be no time to get dressed. Crew members should be secured to the boat using safety lines or harnesses that are loose enough to allow movement around the boat and easy to undo. Safety harnesses are essential because if someone falls overboard   in fog, it will be near impossible to find them in the sea.

YACHTING.COM TIP: Do you know how to rescue a person who has fallen overboard? Despite all safeguards, sometimes it is unavoidable, so every crew member should know exactly what to do. Go over the main guidelines and steps to take in our article — Man Over Board (MOB): a step-by-step guide .

Turn on the radar reflector and navigation lights so the boat can be seen in the fog

As well as ensuring the safety of the crew, it is also crucial to focus on the boat itself and minimise the risk of collision . The moment fog sets in, the skipper or navigator should plot the boat's position as precisely as possible on the chart or determine its most likely position. The radar reflector should be switched on. If it is not fixed on the boat, place it as high as possible on the rigging. As the vast majority of vessels on the open sea use radar to avoid a collision, this will increase the chances of being noticed by a passing vessel. Next, turn on your navigation lights.

Don't forget to sound signals in fog

It is not just enough to improve the visibility of your boat; you also need to sound the signals  prescribed by international law.

These are the usual sound signals in fog:

Under sail: one long and two short blasts every 2 minutes

Under engine power: two long blasts every 2 minutes

Unmanageable vessel, vessel with restricted movement: one long tone and two short blasts every two minutes

At anchor: ring the bell rapidly for 5 seconds every minute (one short, one long and one short ring)

More sailing tips:

Use your eyes

Even though visibility is greatly reduced in foggy conditions, it is still important to keep a watchful eye on the situation  rather than relying solely on radar and navigation systems. The ideal place to be is out on the deck, where the glass in the windows and the glow of the monitors won't impair your view. Depending on the type of fog, visibility is usually best at the surface or at height.

Don't be afraid to move around the deck to find the best vantage point with the best visibility. At least one crew member should be monitoring the situation, ideally more, and another person should be assigned to the radar to keep an eye on it constantly. If you are sailing in fog at night , you can further improve the visibility of the boat by shining or flashing lights onto the sails using a powerful flashlight.

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Get to know fog with your ears

Fog not only reduces overall visibility, it also distorts the way sound travels . A sound can easily be perceived as coming from a short distance ahead when in reality it is a warning signal coming from far behind you. This is why it pays to use all of your senses as well as the available technology  to navigate through the fog and reach safe waters.

Hearing is an important sense when navigating fog, especially when combined with sailing know-how. One proven strategy adopted by experienced sailors is setting an appropriate course . Generally, sound carries downwind so if you're heading upwind, you have a better chance of hearing any sound signals ahead of you. Conversely, if you are travelling downwind, the sound will carry with you, making it much harder to detect and identify its source.

If you are not travelling under sail but using engine power , aim to cruise at a slower speed of around 3 to 5 knots (depending on the conditions). This means the engine will not drown out surrounding sounds. Turn off the engine every now and again and listen for any sounds or signals. In some cases, sound may get lost even when just two people are talking. It is therefore important to keep your ears open and monitor the situation closely. Of course, it is essential you know the fog sound  signals described above, as well as the signals emitted by the neighbouring buoys, lighthouses and other marked sites, in order to navigate safely and prevent a collision.

YACHTING.COM TIP: Lighthouses are extremely useful when sailing in foggy conditions. Did you know that each has its own specific sound and light signals? Plus, they are real architectural gems, so take a look at our article on the   15 beautiful lighthouses you must visit .

Feel your surroundings with your whole body

To some extent, even your sense of touch or the sensations on your skin can assist you to navigate fog. And, while this is more of a supplementary aid when trying to get to a port or anchorage safely, every little thing counts.

Keep in mind that fog is caused by significant differences between air and sea/land temperatures . Therefore, you should head for a place where these differences are not so marked. Focus on how the air feels on your skin . For example, if the air feels warm while the water is cold, head for shallower waters where the sea is likely to be warmer and closer to the air temperature. Conversely, if the air is cool, head for the open sea where there is more depth and the water is cooler. 10–15

Don't forget your sense of smell

Even if you can't see or hear anything, smells may tell you a lot about what's going on around you. Smell is a complementary sense that can help you pinpoint the location of something that does not produce a sound. For example, the smell of fish can indicate the proximity of a fishing boat, just like diesel fumes can indicate the presence of a motorboat or boat nearby, etc.

YACHTING.COM TIP: Wondering what type of signals to use when sailing in fog? Sign up for a sailing course with us and learn everything you need to know under experienced professionals.

Need a skipper's license or just some more practice? Try our sailing courses...

Electronics and modern technology on board.

Most boats nowadays are equipped with modern navigation systems and equipment , (such as radar, GPS, radio, etc.) that pinpoint your current position and the position of vessels or obstacles around you. Electronics on board are of a very high standard, but they are not omnipotent. So, always  consider electronics as an aid  and a reference point, rather than the absolute truth. 

Onboard radar system monitors for potential obstacles and other vessels

The moment fog rolls in, you should immediately turn on the radar . If you do not have it permanently installed on your boat, place it as far up on the rigging as possible to maximise its range. One crew member should be assigned to constantly monitor the radar  and report to the helmsman or skipper about the presence of other vessels or hazards. Communication should be brief and to the point so that the helmsman can remain focussed on what they can see and hear around them.

GPS will help you to navigate your yacht

GPS is now the standard method of finding your location and searching for routes, even on smartphones, so it's no surprise that it's also an essential piece of equipment on a boat . However, like other electronic systems, GPS can be incorrect or inaccurate, especially when determining precise position or speed. Therefore, always use GPS in combination with your own observations . If you have a choice, go a GPS system that allows you to see where you had previously been sailing. When sailing in fog, this can be a useful way of finding your way back. Simply sail back in the opposite direction along your original course.

Radio can provide other useful information

An onboard radio is standard on most boats and is a useful aid when sailing in fog . If you have access to all the data you need, you can use the radio to communicate your position and intentions to nearby boats. This usually includes the name of the ship, its type and size, position (latitude and longitude), course and speed. To avoid any misunderstandings or distractions to you or other boats, always use simple and clear sentences in radio communication.

Now all that's left to do is pick a boat:

We have a large selection of boats available, as well as contacts with excellent skippers. Get in contact.

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Faq how to sail in fog.

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The Basics of Boat Sound Signals

There are several occasions on a boat when you need to use sound signals. In particular, when visibility is limited, boat sound signals are of the utmost importance. Other boaters need to be aware of where you are and what you’re doing at all times. Learning what these sound signals mean and how to use them will keep you and other boaters safe. It will also greatly improve your boating experience. Safety is always key.

How are sounds and signals made on your boat?

There are two ways to alert other vessel with a sound producing device . You can either blast the horn or use a stroke of your bell. Depending on the situation you will need to use one or the other. Learning this is part of the rules of the road.

If your boat is less than 39.4 feet it must carry something able to produce an adequate sound. That could be a bell, a whistle, or an air horn. Remember, in an emergency situation, anything that makes a sound will do. As long as you and other vessels can hear each other. However, you should have the legal equipment on board and in good working order.

If your vessel is between 39.4 Ft and 65.6 feet you must have a whistle and a bell. The whistle has to be able to produce a sound that can be heard up to half a mile away. The mouth of the bell has to be at least 7.87 in in diameter. These are legal requirements and part of inland rules.

When do you make sound signals on your boat?

You only need to use a sound signal when you are in sight of another vessel. If you’re going to meet or cross at a distance of one another within 1/2 a mile you need to signal. These signals are not to be used when visibility is limited by fog. There are different signals to be used with restricted visibility .

Maneuvering Signals

When you are approaching another vessel and wish to get around them these are the maneuvering signals you should use. A short whistle blast is typically 1 second in duration.

One Short Blast: One short blast means you intend to pass a vessel on your port side.

Two Short Blasts: Two short blasts signals your intent to pass the vessel on your starboard side.

A handy tip or remembering which signal to use is 1 short blast for one syllable equals port. Two short blasts for two syllables equals starboard.

Warning Signals

These are signals to alert other boats that there is something they need to be aware of. Unlike a short blast of one second, a prolonged blast should last four to six seconds.

Three Short Blasts: 3 short blasts means you are backing up. You are operating astern propulsion now.

Five Short Horn Blasts : Danger. Or you do not understand the approaching boat’s intentions and they need to clarify. These need to be rapid blasts so they are not confused with prolonged blasts.

One Prolonged Blast: Warning. Use this to indicate when you are leaving a dock or berth. Can also be used as a warning when you are approaching an obstruction, or a blind to turn.

One Prolonged Blast Repeated Every 2 Minutes : Use this when you are in a power driven vessel with limited visibility. If you were travelling through fog, you would do this.

One Prolonged Blast Plus 2 Short Blasts Repeated Every 2 Minutes : This indicates you are in a sailing vessel in limited visibility.

Limited Visibility Signals

If conditions are such that you cannot see other boaters than use these signals.

2 Prolonged Blasts Repeated Every 2 Minutes: This warning signal is used when you are in a power driven vessel that has stopped. You are not anchored but you are not making way.

Five Seconds of Rapid Bell Ringing: When your vessel is at anchor, ring the bells rapidly for 5 seconds at intervals of 1 minute.

3 Bell Strokes + 5 Seconds of Rapid ringing + 3 Bell Strokes: When your vessel is aground, ring the bell three times then rapidly ring for 5 seconds, and ring three times again. This must be repeated every minute

Things to Remember

When you hear a warning from another boat you must respond accordingly. This is especially important when you are in limited visibility. If you’re unable to see each other but can hear the signals from the other vessel, slow down. Continue at a minimum speed and proceed with caution. Maintain a lookout until you are no longer in range of the other vessel. The rules of the road always favor safety. Your signals must be clear, especially when other boats are not in sight.

Always signal your intent when maneuvering a vessel. Remember that directions are based on the vessel making the signal. So when another boat sounds a short blast it means they intend to pass on their port side. Likewise, if your intent is to pass you will use one short blast to indicate your port side. Two blasts to indicate your starboard side. The same signals are needed when overtaking boats as well. That means from either the port side or the starboard side. Always make sure the other vessel knows how you are maneuvering.

Signals are a method of communication. When a boat signals a proposed maneuver, you need to respond. Reply with the same signal to indicate you have understood their intent. If you are unclear, reply with a danger signal of five or more short blasts so they know you do not understand. They should signal again to clarify.

When in doubt, sound the danger signal. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Power driven vessels have a much longer reaction time. In limited visibility, you need to be as clear as possible. You can sound 5 short blasts any time to indicate you are unclear of another vessel’s intentions.

My grandfather first took me fishing when I was too young to actually hold up a rod on my own. As an avid camper, hiker, and nature enthusiast I'm always looking for a new adventure.

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• Digital edition

How to avoid collisions in fog

• Andy Du Port
• April 8, 2020

Not many of us would happily set sail in fog but sometimes it is unavoidable, and knowing how to avoid collisions is crucial, says Andy du Port

Fog, even if it is localised, changes which navigation rules you follow. Would you know what to do?

Sir John Harvey-Jones, erstwhile chairman of ICI, once said, ‘Planning is an unnatural process; the nicest thing about not planning is that failure comes as a complete surprise rather than being preceded by a period of worry and doubt.’

When you see the fog rolling towards you, it is too late to start planning.

Not many of us would happily set sail in fog but sometimes it is unavoidable, either out at sea or as we make our way into harbour.

Sailing in poor visibility – fog, heavy rain, even snow – can be disorientating and worrying but some prior thought and basic preparation will help to keep the heart rate near normal and, vitally, you and your crew safe.

With any luck you won’t be in fog for long but while you are, you have two objectives: safe navigation and collision avoidance.

In open waters your attention will be on collision avoidance, but closer inshore you will probably be busy dodging other vessels while at the same time keeping yourself in safe water.

When planning your cruise think about how you would deal with fog

There is lots of good advice elsewhere about ‘blind’ navigation, so here I will focus on collision avoidance.

This is covered in the Colregs by Rule 19: Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility, which is possibly the most misunderstood rule in the book.

The actions you should take to avoid collision are quite different from those when vessels are in sight of one another: there is no ‘give way’ vessel and no ‘stand on’ vessel.

Even the usual manoeuvring sound signals don’t apply.

In poor visibility your best bet is to avoid all close quarters situations.

In other words, keep the opposition at arm’s length rather than nipping under the stern as you might in clear weather.

One-mile clearance of a big ship in fog is quite close enough for me.

‘A collision at sea can ruin your entire day’ may not have been said by Thucydides, to whom it is often attributed, but whoever actually said it made an indisputable point.

Preparation for fog

You want to be ‘seen’ in fog so invest in a good radar reflector and permanently fit it as high as possible.

A radar reflector is one of the few SOLAS V requirements for small craft.

Which one you choose will depend on the depth of your pocket, but be wary of going for cheap and cheerful.

Knowing how to interpret a radar picture properly will pay dividends in fog

You can spend hundreds of pounds on a radar target enhancer, or you can buy a passive reflector for much less.

If you go for a traditional tetrahedral reflector just make sure you hoist it in the ‘rain-catching’ mode, not point up.

AIS does not yet feature in the Colregs but it can be an invaluable anti-collision aid.

If you have radar fitted, take time to get to know how to use it and interpret what is shows

Even receive-only sets will make life much safer.

However, AIS is not a radar (whatever some manufacturers may claim), and many small craft are not fitted with it; even larger vessels may not have it set up correctly or even turned on.

Like AIS, the use of VHF is not mentioned in the Colregs, and you should be very wary, even in clear weather, of causing unnecessary confusion by calling another ship to negotiate actions to avoid a close-quarters situation, unless you have both positively identified each other.

This applies in poor visibility when a third vessel may be tempted to take avoiding action based on an overheard conversation.

AIS is no replacement for proper radar equipment

That said, particularly in busy areas, a listening watch will help you to build up a general picture of shipping movements around you.

So, have your set tuned to the relevant channel(s): Ch 16 when offshore as well as the local harbour or VTS channels when appropriate.

If you feel you must check your radio before sailing, try to do so on a working channel and avoid cluttering up Ch 16.

The advantage of radar over AIS is that, when used properly, it will show all other vessels, and not just those fitted with corresponding equipment.

A tetrahedral radar reflector reflector must be mounted in the right orientation

With either AIS or radar, however, the information you are given still needs interpretation.

You should be able to read it and ascertain another vessel’s closest point of approach (CPA), it’s time to CPA (TCPA), and where it will be in relation to your vessel at that time.

If you have radar, it is a requirement of Rule 19 that you make proper use of it in reduced visibility.

Permanently mounting a passive radar reflector is good sense

Therefore, tune it for best reception and know how to get the most out of it.

Unless you are already an experienced operator, book yourself onto a course then practise in clear visibility.

You won’t regret it when your safety depends on it.

Entering fog

You will probably have some warning before being enveloped in fog.

You may see it looming ahead of you but, if you are not keeping a good all-round lookout, it could roll in from astern and catch you by surprise.

When everything starts to look grey take the following actions as soon as possible.

Some of them will need your careful judgement.

Turn on your navigation lights.

The aim is to be seen at all costs, and dense fog probably justifies bending the rules and showing as many lights as you can – perhaps including an all-round white anchor light at the masthead.

Better, I suggest, to risk a rebuke for showing incorrect lights than be involved in a potentially disastrous collision.

Make yourself visible. If you are motoring, keep the mainsail hoisted and consider having the headsail at least partially unfurled so long as it doesn’t obscure your view.

To keep your options open for rapid manoeuvring, however, lower spinnakers and cruising chutes, avoid poling out headsails and unrig preventers.

A yacht is unlikely to be able to exceed a ‘safe speed’, but sailing too slowly just prolongs the misery and makes any alterations of course less obvious on another vessel’s radar.

In these conditions, motoring might make sense.

Have it running or ready for immediate use.

The noise of the engine will reduce your ability to hear other ships, but you may think that instant manoeuvrability is more important in the circumstances.

If you are sailing well and are confident that the engine will start on demand, I would leave it off (but see the point above).

5. Lifejackets and harnesses

Put on lifejackets. Not only is this a sensible precaution, it also alerts the crew that conditions may become serious.

In calm weather (quite likely in fog), you don’t want to be tethered to the boat in the event of a collision, so probably best not to hook on.

This has to be weighed against the risk of someone falling over the side, as recovering an MOB in fog or rough seas is going to be much more difficult.

6. Liferaft

Have it ready to deploy. If it is normally stowed in a locker, get it out and secure its painter to a strongpoint.

If you don’t carry a liferaft, a possible alternative is to inflate the dinghy and tow it astern.

It’s also worth having your EPIRB or PLB, and a flare ready to hand if the worst were indeed to happen.

Use your radar, chartplotter, GPS and AIS to build a picture of what is around you, and know how to track vessels’ courses

The rules require that proper use shall be made of radar, if fitted.

This includes plotting and assessing contacts, so give the job to the most experienced operator. As the skipper, this may be you.

At the chart table, you are well placed to build up a picture of what is around you using radar, AIS, VHF and any reports from your team on deck in order to make the right decisions.

8. Sound signals

There is no way your fog horn is going to be heard inside the bridge of a large ship, but it will alert other yachts to your presence.

Anyhow, the rules say it ‘shall be used’.

On our boat, we use a referees’ whistle for making sound signals.

It is just as audible as a canister fog horn, and it doesn’t run out of gas.

A good lookout, by both sight and hearing (Rule 5), is essential. Brief your crew to report anything they hear or see.

Warn them that direction can be ambiguous in fog, so ‘I think I can hear a big ship’s engines somewhere to port’ is likely to be more use to you than a guess at a precise bearing – which is quite liable to be wrong.

Collision avoidance

Unless you are in confined waters, your main worry will be collision avoidance.

This is where Rule 19 kicks in, and it is absolutely vital that you understand what it says.

The full text is shown below. Rules 11 to 18 deal with the conduct of vessels in sight of one another, but they do not apply in fog.

It doesn’t make any difference whether you are sailing, motoring, fishing or flying your seaplane, no one has a ‘right of way’ (a term, incidentally, which does not feature anywhere in the Colregs, only ‘stand on vessel’), no one is a ‘give way’ vessel, and the usual manoeuvring and warning sound signals (Rule 34) only apply in good visibility.

It is Rule 35 that tells us what sound signals to make in fog.

Rule 19 does not only apply when you are in fog.

You may be in bright sunshine but the actions to avoid collision with a ship you can’t see because she is in a nearby fog bank, a rain squall, or even a snow shower, are dictated by Rule 19.

What this means

Rule 19 says that unless you have determined that a risk of collision or close-quarters situation does not exist, then you must assume that it does and act accordingly.

It goes on to say that if you hear a fog signal ahead of the beam and have not yet determined if it poses a risk, you shall reduce your speed to a minimum.

This is not really applicable to most sailing yachts but the principle stands, and you should not plough on at full speed unless you are quite sure that there is no risk of getting uncomfortably close to the other ship.

A mere reduction in speed (from 6 knots to 3 knots, say) is rarely practicable as it won’t be readily apparent on another vessel’s radar.

Make MOB buoys, liferafts and flares ready for use, as events can unfold quickly

As we have already seen, the steering rules for vessels in sight of one another no longer apply, but Rule 19 rather confusingly only tells us what we should not do.

If you turn this around, it makes more sense.

Put simply: always turn to starboard to avoid a collision or close-quarters situation unless: a) The other vessel is on your starboard quarter (green 90° to right astern), in which case you should alter course to port, or b) You are overtaking, in which case you may alter course whichever way achieves the aim.

Whatever you do, Rule 19 insists that you do it ‘in ample time’.

As always, any actions you take must be ‘positive and readily apparent to the other vessel’.

In other words, act early and don’t faff around with small alterations of course. A turn of 90° or more may be necessary to make your intentions obvious.

Worth the risk

Andy Du Port is a Yachtmaster Offshore, and formerly an RN specialist navigating officer and RYA Cruising Instructor

To end on a sobering note, if you do have an incident while underway in fog, you may have to explain to the authorities your decision to sail.

A written passage plan which shows all the factors you have taken into account, and a note of your preparations, would certainly help.

However, while I said at the start that few of us would willingly set sail in fog, there are times when it is foggy close inshore but known to be clear just a few miles out.

The harbourmaster or local VTS may have reports from ships offshore, or you could ask the coastguard or nearby National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) station, available on VHF Channel 65.

In these situations you may justifiably decide to leave the safety of your berth knowing that the gloom won’t last long. Similarly, a forecast for occasional fog patches may be worth the risk.

Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility:

(a) This Rule applies to vessels not in sight of one another when navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility.

(b) Every vessel shall proceed at a safe speed adapted to the prevailing circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility. A power-driven vessel shall have her engines ready for immediate manoeuvre.

(c) Every vessel shall have due regard to the prevailing circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility when complying with the Rules of Section I of this Part.

(d) A vessel which detects by radar alone the presence of another vessel shall determine if a close-quarters situation is developing and/or risk of collision exists.

If so, she shall take avoiding action in ample time, provided that when such action consists of an alteration of course, so far as possible the following shall be avoided:

(i) an alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam, other than for a vessel being overtaken;

(ii) an alteration of course towards a vessel abeam or abaft the beam.

(e) Except where it has been determined that a risk of collision does not exist, every vessel which hears apparently forward of her beam the fog signal of another vessel, or which cannot avoid a close-quarters situation with another vessel forward of her beam, shall reduce her speed to the minimum at which she can be kept on her course.

She shall, if necessary, take all her way off and in any event navigate with extreme caution until danger of collision is over.

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Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility and Rule 35

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Fog, mist, falling snow, heavy rainstorms, sandstorms or any other similar causes can make conditions that hamper visibility. Sound signals for vessels in restricted visibility, whether underway, at anchor or aground, day or night, are the subject of Rule 35 ( COLREGS ). The bell and gong are added into the mix of whistle sounds used as options for restricted visibility signals. Rule 35 is fairly complex, and it is advised to have a highlighter in hand while reading through it.

The Rules of the Road state when underway ‘vessels shall sound at intervals of not more than two minutes’ the prescribed sound signal.

Why a two minute rule? A requirement for all vessels is to maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing. In restricted visibility, the two minutes allows the look-out to listen for sound signals from other vessels groping their way through the fog. COLREGS lists the following sound signals for vessels underway:

• A power-driven vessel making way shall sound one prolonged blast.
• A power-driven vessel underway but stopped shall sound two prolonged blasts.
• A pilot vessel , engaged in pilotage duty, may also sound four short blasts in addition to the sound signals required by a power-driven vessel.
• Vessels that are encumbered , due to their maneuverability or their ranking in the hierarchy of responsibilities between vessels in Rule 18, shall sound one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts. These encumbered vessels are those not under command, restricted in their ability maneuver due to their work, constrained by draft, sailing , engaged in commercial fishing and towing or pushing another vessel.

• If a vessel being towed is manned, that tow or barge shall sound one prolonged blast followed by three short blasts. The tug itself first sounds its own signal for an encumbered vessel, and if possible, the manned tow sounds its own signal immediately after.
• While at anchor , ringing the ship’s bell rapidly for about five seconds at intervals of no more than one minute is the primary sound signal for smaller vessels.
• Larger vessels, those 100m (328ft) or more in length, also use a gong.

For these large yachts and ships, the bell is rapidly sounded from the foredeck, and immediately followed by the gong sounded rapidly from the afterdeck, both for about five seconds.

• In addition, any vessel at anchor can also sound one short, one prolonged and one short blasts as a collision avoidance warning.

There are two classes of working vessels that do not use the bell and gong signals while at anchor.

Commercial fishing boats that are fishing while at anchor, and vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver that are carrying out their work while at anchor must use the encumbered vessel sound signal of one prolonged and two short blasts.

• If aground , a vessel shall give the bell signal and if required the (at anchor) gong signal prescribed … and shall, in addition, give three separate and distinct strokes on the bell immediately before and after the rapid ringing of the bell.

To further finesse Rule 35, The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (IRPCS), doesn’t oblige the bell signals to be used at anchor and when aground for vessels 12m (39ft) or more, but less than 20m (65.6ft) in length. Instead, she shall make some other efficient sound signal at intervals of not more than two minutes.

Vessels less than 12m LOA are NOT required to use any of the sound signals required for vessels in restricted visibility. They also can make some other efficient sound signal at intervals of not more than two minutes.

With the large number of sound signals available for use in restricted visibility, remembering all the possibilities can be difficult. Trying to quickly look up a sound signal heard in the fog by turning to Rule 35 in COLREGS can be a bit of a challenge.

A good alternative is to use one of the many laminated visual shorthand versions of COLREGS sold at ship chandleries.

For sound signals, a Morse code dot represents the short blast of about one-second duration. And a Morse code dash represents the prolonged blast of four to six seconds long.

Here’s the link to reference the Related, Rule 34 describing maneuvering and warning for powered vessels underweigh in international waters

If you like this, you’ll love:

• Why do Yachts and Ships have Whistles Bells and Gongs?
• Much Maligned Rays Part III

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Fog! What vessel signals are needed during fog.

Updated: Mar 8, 2022

It is always time to review fog signals while underway. All vessels underway in or near an area of restricted visibility, whether day or night, must make the following fog signals:

Power driven vessel making way - A powerboat making way through the water must sound one

prolonged blast at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.

Power driven vessel stopped, not making way - A powerboat that has come to a complete stop and is not making way must sound two prolonged blasts in succession with an interval of about 2 seconds between them at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.

Sailing vessel - A sailboat must sound three blasts in succession: one prolonged followed by two short blasts at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.

Vessel not under command or restricted in its ability to maneuver - both of these classes of vessel must sound three blasts in succession: one prolonged followed by two short at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.

Fishing vessel - Whether fishing with lines or nets, or trawling, a fishing vessel must sound three blasts in succession: one prolonged followed by two short at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.

Vessel constrained by its draft - This type of vessel must sound three blasts in succession: one prolonged followed by two short at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.

Vessel engaged in towing or pushing - All types of towboats and tug boats must sound three blasts in succession: one prolonged followed by two short at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.

Vessel being towed - The last vessel in a multi-vessel tow, if it is manned, must sound four blasts in succession: one prolonged followed by three short at intervals of no more than 2 minutes. If practicable, these blast should be made immediately after the fog signal of the towing vessel has been sounded. Unmanned tows are not required to sound fog signals.

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Sound Signals for Vessels

The basic sound signals you should know are shown below. This information is embedded in the NauticEd Skipper Course and the NauticEd RYA Day Skipper Course.

Also, download our Navigation Rules eBook for iPad  where the complete set of Navigation Rules are given and explained with animations – ONLY $2.99.

Tap each image to hear an example sound.

Between each successive signal you should wait 10 seconds or more.

These sounds are to made by power-driven vessels greater than 12 meters (39ft) in length and when operating in a narrow channel and have sighted each other.

The danger signal is general and can be used by anyone to signal disagreement with another vessel’s signal, which may lead to danger or just danger in general to anyone.

Sailboat in Fog

When operating in areas of restricted visibility IE fog, a Sailboat must make the following signal.

Remember this by an average sailboat normally has two sails- thus the two shorts toots.

Powerboat if Fog

Where prolonged  is a prolonged blast (lasting 4 to 6 seconds) and signals are not more than 2 minutes apart. This signal above (one prolonged and two short) is also the signal for other vessels operating in fog such as vessels towing, broken down, commercial fishing, or restricted in ability to maneuver.

Power driven vessels operating in fog must make the following signal not more than 2 minutes apart.

These are international rules. The above list of signals is not exhaustive. For a list of all sound signals visit Rules 32 through 37 of the USCG regs (which again are international).

Finally, a piece of advice: Make sure you have a loud sound making device at hand at all times near the helm available with in 1-2 seconds. The day you will need it is the day you will thank yourself for heeding this advice.

Oh and BTW, that day WILL come – read this story about how it was too late

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Boat Navigation In Fog (Safety rules to follow)

Being lost in the fog is frightening, but there are some things you can do to protect yourself. If you have a GPS or navigation chart with compass readings, use these tools to find your location. If you are not sure about your location or where you are going, it’s best to stop boat navigation until the fog clears up.

Many boat owners install fog horns on their boats to help other boaters locate them. If you have a boat horn, use it to signal your boat’s location to other boaters.

Boat Navigation In Fog – Boating In Fog Safety Tips

Let’s have a look at some navigation rules & tips.

When you’re setting sail, it’s important to have all your boat equipment on board. That includes a GPS, compass, horn, and safety gear. But there are other things that will keep you safe too.

Also, listen to the weather forecast before you set out so you can avoid unexpected navigation challenges like being caught in the fog.

Reduce speed

If you’re out on the water in foggy conditions, there are a few things that will help keep your boat safe. First, reduce speed as much as possible and take your boat out of the channel if there is any doubt about where you should be going. If you come across another boat, stay away from it to avoid a collision. Always ensure you are maintaining a safe speed for your boat.

Turn Light on

Boating safety is important, and one of the most common ways to stay safe on the water is by making sure your boat lights are turned on. When you’re out at sea and visibility drops with a foggy horizon, it’s easy for boats to run into each other without realizing they were there. To avoid this from happening, make yourself as visible as possible by turning on your running lights so that others can see where you are.

Navigational equipment

Make sure you have the appropriate navigational equipment for your boat. That includes a GPS, radar, and all of the other gadgets that help you stay on track when traveling in foggy conditions.

We also suggest checking over any safety equipment like life jackets or signal lights. Don’t forget about things like flares and whistles either. If something goes wrong out there, it might be difficult to get back home without these tools at hand.

Anchor your boat

If you want to avoid a collision, it is important that your boat follows safety guidelines. One of the most common mistakes boaters make in low visibility conditions such as fog or rain is not stopping their engines while they are on the water.

If you’re in a FOG and there is high traffic, stop the movement of your vessel. For better visibility to other boats on the water, it may be best to drop anchor and wait for all traffic to pass before continuing on your way. Boating safety depends largely on common sense, use yours.

Know Fog Sound Signals

Navigating in foggy conditions can be tricky. If you’re a powerboat operator, the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea provide a set of sound signals to help others understand where your boat is and what it’s doing–whether underway or drifting.

If your ship is drifting, always give two blasts of the horn for a boat underway. When you are at anchor, sound one short – one prolong – one short blast.

• Short blast – 1 second
• Long blast – 4 to 6 seconds

Take care of electronics

So, if you’re a seafaring person and spend lots of time on the water, we recommend equipping your boat with radar. It will give you an edge in foggy situations and provide safety for all aboard. Radar is a great investment for safety and peace of mind when on the water.

You may also consider adding other electronics such as GPS/Chart plotters, VHF radios, AIS receivers, etc., depending on how much navigation assistance you want from your vessel. The point being – don’t forget about the power of electricity.

Post a lookout

Safety is important for everyone on board, but it becomes even more crucial when there’s a fog. This means that the crew has to be extra vigilant and focused at all times if they want to avoid accidents. The best way to ensure this happens? Assign different areas of your boat (fore, aft, port, and starboard) so you can maintain a lookout at all times with the help of your crew members.

Navigating in the fog is a challenging problem for any boater, but it becomes especially dangerous when you have to rely on your own eyesight. There are some steps you can take in order to make foggy conditions easier and safer for yourself or your crew. One of the most important things you should do is carry a VHF radio with you at all times.

The Radio station will warn about areas where there may be a danger that’s not visible from the outside, such as rocks or other boats in close proximity to yours. Never forget to switch on your VHF radio.

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• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

Sailing in fog: Pro navigator Mike Broughton shares his top tips

• November 26, 2020

Just a few minutes of sailing in dense fog takes most sailors well out of their comfort zones: it’s disorientating and, quite frankly, scary for many. Here are some tips on how to prepare for, and deal with, a ‘pea soup’

Sailing in fog can be exhausting and disorientating. Photo: Carlo Borlenghi

At sea, fog can be summed up as condensed water vapour or just thick cloud on the surface. Sea fog, or advection fog, forms when relatively warm moist air moves over colder water and cools to its dew point temperature, causing the air to saturate.

Unlike land fog, or radiation fog, sea fog can occur at any time of day and still exist with quite strong winds. It only really clears with a change of air mass – usually with the passage of a cold front. Without the passage of a cold front, it can last for days.

While radiation fog usually occurs on cold, still winter days, sea fog or advection fog is more prevalent in early summer. June can be a particularly bad month in the English Channel , when the water is still relatively cold, with warm moist air coming up from the south-west.

These Sat24.com website images reveal that what appears to be cloud in the satellite view…

Looking out for the forecasts of fog is important, but one simple trick is to go online and use satellite imagery. Sat24.com is a great website to see the last three hours of visual imagery, where fog often shows as a dull, grey and featureless cloud. Next, do a quick comparison with the infra-red satellite imagery and the fog seems to miraculously disappear, whereas other clouds tops still show up.

This is due to the fog being approximately the same temperature as the sea, hence giving a neat confirmation of the existence of fog on the visual picture. You can then return to the visual imagery and more accurately plot the extent of the fog and potentially take avoiding action.

Caught in fog

If you unexpectedly end up sailing in fog, first consider whether you need to keep heading further into it? Would it make more sense to do a quick 180° turn and head back out into clearer visibility?

…is in fact fog that disappears in the infrared view as shown here in the Celtic Sea and North Atlantic

Once we realise we’re sailing in fog, we need to work through a checklist of actions. Note your compass heading. Do we need a more experienced helmsman? It’s easy to quickly find you’re 30° or 40° off course and not notice. Steering is more exacting and even exhausting.

Could it be less stressful to use the autopilot , to allow you to focus on lookout? Just be ready to immediately switch to manual if you need to at a moment’s notice.

Slowing down is certainly good seamanship and the requirement to proceed at a safe speed appropriate to the conditions is detailed clearly in the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collision at Sea (IRPCS Rule 6 – Safe Speed).

Article continues below…

Weather expert Chris Tibbs on how to predict and cope with fog at sea

Radar and AIS help to make navigating in fog safer, but it is still an unnerving experience to sail in…

Navigation briefing: Mike Broughton explains why you still need radar

In a recent feature in Yachting World, my friend and highly respected yachting journalist Ed Gorman wrote a revealing article…

With an increased risk of collision, it’s good practise to ensure everyone is wearing a lifejacket . Maintaining a proper lookout is essential. In ‘pea soup’ fog, stationing a person forwards near the bow can help enormously. If motoring, the bow is a good place to escape the noise to allow the lookout crew member to listen for fog signals, or other hazards. On several occasions when I’ve been sailing in fog, the lookout at the bow has provided vital information to avoid a hazard or navigation mark.

In areas of dense shipping, remember to look up as well as straight ahead, I’m sure I am not the only person to have sighted a large vessel from the helm at the angle of the first spreader!

When ‘in or near areas of restricted visibility’ IRPCS states we shall make the prescribed sound signal, which for sailing vessels is one long blast, followed by two short blasts at intervals not more than two minutes. We need to have a working knowledge of sound signals of other vessels: many don’t appreciate that the fog signal for yachts is the same as vessels involved with fishing, towing, and even vessels ‘constrained by draught’ and ‘not under command’.

Make yourself visible

To help other ships see us, our best chance is to ensure we are clearly seen by the equipment on the bridge, which is radar and AIS (automated information system). Radar is a great help, but not all yachts have it, and it does take concerted focus and an understanding of how best to use it. Nearly all yachts have radar reflectors. Disappointingly tests have shown radar reflectors are not as effective at enhancing our radar signature as many people think. Active radar transponders show up much better.

AIS has been a real step change to aid collision avoidance when sailing in fog, though always remember that not all vessels use it and it is only an aid, albeit a very useful one. AIS can give the speed and course of a vessel as well as the closest point of approach (CPA) and time to the CPA: this is really useful data when navigating in fog. AIS also gives the vessel name, call sign, type and size.

Navigation lights are essential in foggy conditions. In a really thick fog the bow navigation lights can reflect back off the fog, leaving you with an eerie red or green glow.

Do you know how to make the prescribed sound signal in restricted visibility?

The amount of radio traffic tends to rise when sailing in fog, though beware using VHF radio to communicate with the watch keeper of another vessel, which can be fraught with problems.

There have been at least three occasions in the Dover Straits where watch keepers have opted to use radio to try to negotiate collision avoidance, which has ended unhappily in a collision!

These have often come about through misidentification and language difficulties, when both watch keepers should have prioritised normal rules of the road and not allowed themselves to be distracted in an important close quarters situation.

One tactic for dealing with fog on small vessels is to head away from busy shipping channels and sail to shallow water and anchor. Once tethered to the seabed remember to sound your fog signal (for vessels over 12m, ringing a bell for five seconds every minute). Many sailors may not be familiar with the additional signal of one short, one long, one short blast that can be made after the bell if you are concerned of a risk of collision while you are an anchor.

Stopping and racing in fog

Racing in fog creates extra challenges. Fog by night can take you by surprise and it is easy to lose hard fought gains, if the helmsperson loses awareness. If you have the choice of tacking into fog or not when racing, I would take the clear option every time: humans concentrate better when they can see.

The disorientation and confusion that sailing fog can create can easily generate high levels of stress. Mat Sweetman, captain of the J Class yacht Rainbow , suggests: “It is easy to get freaked out in fog, [but] look at is as if it was just a dark night and it gets a whole load less stressful.”

One clue as to the existence of fog at night is an absence of ambient lights and low altitude stars. If you are on the helm and getting close to fog, it is a good idea to start a scan of your yacht instruments. Like a pilot flying into cloud, it is imperative to ‘believe in your instruments’.

A regular scan is most effective but is both tiring and exacting over a long period of time. On top of normal sailing skills such as utilising the feel of your helm, tell tales (if you can still see them) and heel angle, we now need to bring in regular glances at true wind angle, boat speed, and heading. Working out a pattern for your scan is a good discipline for sailing in fog.

Sea fog is renowned over the Grand Banks. On the Transatlantic Race in 2005, fog prevailed for over six days with sustained wind speeds of 25-30 knots. Visibility was mostly less than 150 metres. Sailing in fog for nearly a week is tough going!

Using radar for collision avoidance

• Periodically cycle through the ranges and don’t leave it just on long range. Zoom in to only three miles in busy shipping and even closer when tracking a vessel of interest.
• Leave the sensitivity and clutter settings on auto. Modern radars handle them well.
• If you want to look through a rain cloud, alter ‘rain clutter’ control very briefly, then revert it to automatic every time.
• Use a split screen with radar on dual range, or radar and chartplotter lined up alongside, or radar ‘overlaid’ on the chartplotter.
• Experiment with this before you hit fog.
• Consider setting up an alarm zone to help you detect contacts.
• If your radar display is below decks, have a tested system for communicating to the helm. Some yachts use a private VHF channel.
• Stay clear of busy ferry routes

First published in the November 2020 issue of Yachting World.

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Sound signals in reduced visibility (fog)

The best way to remember these sound signals is to split them by ship condition:   1. Making way and unrestricted in their ability to manoeuvre:   2. Making way but restricted in their ability to manoeuvre;   3. At anchor or underway but not making way; or finally aground

The first set - Making way and unrestricted in their ability to manoeuvre

The only boats classed as unrestricted in their ability to manoeuvre are power boats of all shapes and sizes, making way, but not engaged in any restrictive works such as fishing, dredging or towing, nor constrained by their draft.

Ships in this state all should make the same sound signal : One long blast every two minutes or less.

A ship or boat that is merely stationary but not at anchor (underway, but not making way) gives two long blasts every two minutes or less.

A pilot boat, for some reason, is allowed to add a further signal to its powerboat sound � four short blasts.

You don´t have to worry to much about the size of the vessel. The blast the Queen Mary II makes will not be confused with the sound your berth neighbour´s Sea Ray emits.

It is worth remembering the very large ships can neither turn, stop or reverse in order to avoid you. So if you hear a ‘large vessel blast’ you should be extra alert.

The second set � Making way but restricted in their ability to manoeuvre

This covers lots of boat types. Power boats engaged in work that makes them less manoeuvrable such as boats fishing, dredging, and towing, ships constrained by their draft and all sailing boats.

These ships and boats sound as follows. One long blast followed immediately by two short blasts (again, every two minutes or less).

Towing vessels should make an additional sound signal to alert other shipping to the extra hazard they represent. While the towing vessel makes the sound for a vessel restricted in its ability to manoeuvre, the vessel being towed has a sound signal all of its own and that is one long blast followed immediately by THREE short blasts. These sounds should be co-ordinated into a set. The towing vessel should do its one long and two short and then, after a SHORT pause, the vessel being towed should emit one long and three short blasts.

The third set: At anchor or aground

Ships under 100m, at anchor, ring a bell for 5 seconds at least every minute. Ships longer than 100m ring the bell at the bow end and follow it with beating a gong for five seconds at the stern.

If the ship is aground, rather than at anchor, it should preceed and follow the rapid ringing with three single strikes. If over 100m, the same goes for the gong.

If they become concerned that an approaching vessel is on a collision course, they may add one short, one long and one short blast from their hooter.

That means that a ship over 100m aground and alarmed you might be on a collision course will do the following:   1. Three distinct strikes of a bell;   2. Rapid ringing of the bell for 5 sec;   3. Three distinct strikes of the bell;   4. Three distinct strikes of the gong;   5. Rapid striking of the gong for 5 sec;   6. Three distinct strikes of the gong; and   7. One short, one, long and one short blast from its hooter.

That ought to get your attention!

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• Restricted visibility while boating
• Free Boating License Study Guide
• Navigation Rules

What must you do at all times in any condition of visibility on a boat?

When operating at night, or other times of restricted visibility (such as rain, mist or heavy fog), the required navigation lights as explained earlier in the required equipment section are mandatory to be displayed. The lights will let each boater know which is the stand-on or give-way vessel and each boater should react accordingly.

During nighttime operations vision can be tricky at best, so a proper lookout and safe speed need constant attention.

During times of restricted visibility such as smoke or fog, additional sound signals are required. Both inland and international rules require that any boat underway in or near a restricted visibility area sound a warning signal every two minutes.

Motorboats must sound one prolonged blast every two minutes. 

Sailing vessels must sound one prolonged blast plus two short blasts every two minutes.

When a power driven boat is stopped (underway but making no way), she shall sound two prolonged blasts every two minutes.

Boats at anchor shall sound rapid strokes on the bell for 5 seconds at intervals not less than one minute.

Boats aground shall sound three distinct strokes on the bell ("I Am Aground"), followed by five seconds rapid ringing of the bell, followed by three distinct strokes on the bell ("I Am Aground").

If you hear a fog signal of another boat you cannot see, slow to minimum speed and maintain a proper lookout!

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Course Outline

• The Rules of the Road
• Important Definitions
• Required Sound Signaling Equipment

Sounding Off - When and How to Use Sound Signals

• The Rule of Responsibility
• Proper Lookout
• Rules for Avoiding Collisions
• Overtaking a Power-Driven Vessel
• Approaching a Power-Driven Vessel Head On
• Approaching a Power-Driven Vessel From the Side
• Approaching a Sailing Vessel
• Approaching Another Sailing Vessel
• Operating in Heavy Traffic
• Operating in Narrow Channels
• Operating in Darkness - Part 1
• Operating in Darkness - Part 2
• Operating in Restricted Visibility
• Visual Distress Signals
• Marine Distress Signals - Anytime Use
• Marine Distress Signals - Daytime Use
• Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals
• Non-Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals
• Pyrotechnic Equipment Storage and Handling
• Number of Required Visual Distress Signals
• Aids to Navigation
• Uniform State Waterways Marking System - Part 1
• Uniform State Waterways Marking System - Part 2
• Intercoastal Waterway Markers
• Western River Markers
• Docking Mooring
• Anchoring - Part 1
• Anchoring - Part 2

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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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May 20, 2022 14 min read

A Powerboat Underway in the Fog: What Sound Signal Should You Use?

When you're operating a powerboat in the fog, sound signals are critical for safety. They help you navigate through the reduced visibility and alert other vessels to your presence. But which sound signals should you use? The answer depends on the type of vessel you're operating and your intentions.

Understanding the impact of fog on boating is crucial to operating safely. Fog can reduce visibility to as little as a few feet, making it difficult to see other boats, buoys, and landmarks. This can lead to collisions, groundings, and other accidents. Using sound signals can help prevent these accidents and keep you and other boaters safe. In this article, we'll explore the different sound signals you should use when operating a powerboat in the fog, as well as other safety measures you can take to stay safe in these conditions.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the impact of fog on boating is crucial to operating safely.
• Sound signals are critical for safety when operating a powerboat in the fog.
• The type of vessel you're operating and your intentions determine which sound signals you should use.

Understanding Fog and Its Impact on Boating

When  boating in fog , it's essential to understand how it can impact your visibility and ability to navigate safely. Fog is a type of mist that can reduce visibility to less than one nautical mile, making it difficult to see other vessels, obstacles, or land masses. This can be especially dangerous when boating in areas with heavy traffic or narrow channels.

Restricted visibility due to fog can also impact your ability to navigate using visual aids such as buoys, markers, or lighthouses. It's important to have a solid understanding of your vessel's navigation equipment and how to use it properly to navigate in these conditions.

Before heading out, it's crucial to check the weather forecast for any potential fog or reduced visibility in your area. If fog is expected, it's best to delay your trip until conditions improve. If you do encounter fog while underway, it's essential to slow down and use your vessel's sound signals to alert other boats of your presence.

In summary, fog can be a significant hazard to boaters, and it's crucial to understand how it can impact your visibility and navigation. By being prepared and using proper navigation techniques, you can safely navigate through foggy conditions and avoid any potential accidents.

The Importance of Sound Signals in Fog

When operating a powerboat in foggy conditions, it's crucial to use sound signals to alert other boats of your presence. The sound signals are used to indicate the boat's position, direction, and proximity to other boats. The most common sound signal is a short blast, which is used to indicate that the boat is altering its course to starboard.

A prolonged blast, on the other hand, is used to indicate that the boat is altering its course to port. It's also important to note that blasts are used to indicate the boat's position when it's underway. For example, one short blast indicates that the boat is approaching another boat head-on, while one prolonged blast indicates that the boat is overtaking another boat from behind.

Three short blasts are used to indicate that the boat is backing up, while rapid blasts are used to indicate danger or an emergency situation. It's essential to use the correct sound signal in the appropriate situation to avoid confusion or accidents.

In addition to using sound signals, it's also important to have a fog signal on board. A fog signal is a sound-producing device that emits a loud, distinctive sound to alert other boats of your presence. Fog signals can be in the form of horns, whistles, or bells.

In summary, when operating a powerboat in foggy conditions, it's crucial to use sound signals and fog signals to alert other boats of your presence. Using the correct sound signal in the appropriate situation can prevent confusion and accidents.

Types of Vessels and Their Sound Signals

When underway in foggy conditions, it's crucial to understand the different types of vessels and their corresponding sound signals. Powerboats, sailing vessels, and power-driven vessels all have different sound signals that they should use to alert other boats of their presence.

For powerboats, a prolonged blast of the horn is the appropriate sound signal. This is a sound that lasts for four to six seconds and should be used every two minutes when underway in foggy conditions.

Sailing vessels, on the other hand, should use a combination of sound signals. If the sailing vessel is under sail alone, it should sound a prolonged blast every two minutes. If the sailing vessel is also using its engines, it should sound a prolonged blast followed by two short blasts every two minutes.

Power-driven vessels should sound a prolonged blast followed by two short blasts every two minutes when underway in foggy conditions. This includes vessels like motorboats and speedboats.

It's also important to know the sound signals for vessels being overtaken and vessels engaged in fishing. When overtaking another vessel, sound two short blasts followed by a prolonged blast every two minutes. When in the vicinity of a vessel engaged in fishing, sound two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast every two minutes.

By understanding the different  sound signals for each type of vessel , you can help ensure safe navigation in foggy conditions.

Understanding Port and Starboard

When you're on a powerboat that's underway in the fog, it's essential to understand port and starboard. Port refers to the left side of the boat, while starboard refers to the right side. These terms are used to communicate with other vessels and to navigate safely through the water.

It's important to note that port and starboard are always relative to the direction the boat is facing. So, if you're standing at the back of the boat facing forward, port will be on your left, and starboard will be on your right.

Knowing the difference between port and starboard is crucial for understanding navigation rules, which dictate who has the right of way when two boats are approaching each other. For example, if two boats are approaching each other head-on, both should turn to starboard (right) to avoid a collision.

When you're on a boat, you'll often hear the terms "port side" and "starboard side" used to refer to specific areas of the boat. Port side refers to the left side of the boat, while starboard side refers to the right side.

In summary, understanding port and starboard is essential for safe navigation on the water. Whether you're communicating with other vessels or following navigation rules, knowing the difference between port and starboard will help keep you and your passengers safe.

Maneuvering and Warning Signals

When operating a powerboat in the fog, it is crucial to use  maneuvering and warning signals to avoid collisions and ensure the safety of all on board. The sound signal to use in restricted visibility is one prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes. This signal is used to warn other vessels of your presence and to indicate that you are underway.

If you are approaching another vessel in the fog, you should use a danger signal of five short blasts. This signal indicates that you are in a potentially dangerous situation and that the other vessel should take action to avoid a collision. If you are proposing a maneuver, such as turning to port or starboard, you should use the appropriate maneuvering signal of two short blasts for port and three short blasts for starboard.

It is important to remember that sound signals alone are not enough to prevent collisions in restricted visibility. You should also reduce your speed and keep a sharp lookout for other vessels and navigational hazards. By using the correct maneuvering and warning signals and taking appropriate precautions, you can safely navigate your powerboat through the fog.

Legal Requirements and Coast Guard Regulations

When operating a powerboat in the fog, it is important to follow legal requirements and Coast Guard regulations to ensure safety. According to the Navigation Rules, a power-driven vessel underway in fog must sound a prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes. This signal indicates the presence of a power-driven vessel and its position to other vessels in the area.

The U.S. Coast Guard also has regulations that must be followed when operating a powerboat in the fog. These regulations include having proper navigation lights, maintaining a safe speed, and using radar if available. It is important to follow these regulations to prevent collisions and ensure the safety of everyone on board.

International rules and inland rules also apply when operating a powerboat in the fog. It is important to be familiar with these rules to ensure compliance and safety. In addition, it is recommended to have a sound signaling device, such as a whistle or horn, on board in case of emergency.

In summary, when operating a powerboat in the fog, it is important to follow legal requirements and Coast Guard regulations. This includes sounding a prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes, having proper navigation lights, maintaining a safe speed, and using radar if available. By following these regulations, you can ensure the safety of everyone on board and prevent collisions with other vessels.

Additional Safety Measures

When underway in the fog, it is essential to take additional  safety measures to ensure a safe and successful journey. One such measure is to maintain a proper lookout at all times. This includes having someone designated to watch for any obstructions or blind bends, as well as keeping an eye out for other boats in the area.

In addition to a lookout, it is recommended to use radar to detect any potential risks of collision. This technology can help you identify any obstructions in the water, even if they are not visible to the naked eye. It is important to note that radar should not be solely relied upon and should be used in conjunction with other safety measures.

When leaving the dock, it is important to have a plan in place for navigating through the fog. This may include plotting a course, identifying potential hazards, and communicating with other boats in the area. It is also recommended to reduce your speed and maintain a safe distance from other boats to reduce the risk of collision.

Overall, taking these additional safety measures can greatly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a safe and successful journey when underway in the fog.

Communication Tools in Foggy Conditions

When operating a powerboat in foggy conditions, it is crucial to have the right communication tools to ensure the safety of everyone on board. One of the most important tools is a sound signal. The sound signal should be used to alert other boats of your presence and to indicate your intentions.

There are several types of sound signals that are commonly used in foggy conditions. These include a bell, whistle, air horn, and radio. The sound signal that you use will depend on the size of your boat and the conditions that you are operating in.

A bell is typically used on smaller boats and is required by law on vessels under 12 meters in length. The bell should be rung for five seconds every minute in foggy conditions.

A whistle is another common sound signal that is used in foggy conditions. The whistle should be sounded for four to six seconds every minute in foggy conditions.

An air horn is a more powerful sound signal that is used on larger boats. The air horn should be sounded for four to six seconds every minute in foggy conditions.

In addition to these sound signals, it is also important to have a radio on board. The radio can be used to communicate with other boats and to receive weather updates and other important information.

When using a sound signal, it is important to ensure that it is loud enough to be heard by other boats in the area. You should also be aware of the mouth of the bell, which is the direction that the sound travels in. This will help you to determine the best direction to sound your signal in.

Overall, having the right communication tools is essential when operating a powerboat in foggy conditions. By using the appropriate sound signals and staying alert, you can help to ensure the safety of yourself and others on board.

Understanding and Responding to Disagreement Signals

When operating a powerboat in the fog, it's crucial to understand and respond to disagreement signals.  Disagreement signals are used to indicate that two vessels are on a collision course and that one vessel must take action to avoid a collision. The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) specify the sound signals that should be used in this situation.

If you hear one short blast, it means that the other vessel is in agreement with your proposed course of action. If you hear two short blasts, it means that the other vessel disagrees with your proposed course of action and that you should take action to avoid a collision. In this situation, you should alter your course to starboard (right) to avoid the other vessel.

If you hear three short blasts, it means that the other vessel is in doubt about your proposed course of action and that you should take action to avoid a collision. In this situation, you should alter your course to starboard (right) to avoid the other vessel.

It's important to respond to disagreement signals promptly and appropriately to avoid a collision. If you're unsure about how to respond, slow down and wait for further instructions. Remember, safety should always be your top priority when operating a powerboat in the fog.

Special Circumstances

When operating a powerboat in the fog, it is important to be aware of special circumstances that may require sound signals. Sound signals are used to alert other vessels of your presence and intentions.

If you are underway in the fog, you should sound one prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes. If you are anchored, you should sound one short blast followed by one prolonged blast at intervals of not more than one minute.

If you are aground, you should sound three distinct strokes in quick succession, followed by one prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes. If you are backing up, you should sound one short blast every two minutes.

If you have astern propulsion, you should sound one prolonged blast followed by three short blasts at intervals of not more than two minutes. If you are overtaking another vessel, you should sound two short blasts followed by one prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes.

If you are towing another vessel, you should sound one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts at intervals of not more than two minutes.

Remember, sound signals are an important tool for communicating with other vessels in the fog. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure the safety of everyone on the water.

Boater Responsibilities and Intentions

As a boater, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of yourself and others around you while underway in the fog. One of the most important ways to do this is by using the appropriate sound signals to indicate your intentions and alert other boaters to your presence.

If you are operating a powerboat in the fog, the sound signal you should use depends on your vessel's size and speed. For example, if you are underway and making way, you should sound one prolonged blast at intervals of no more than two minutes. If you are stopped and not making way, you should sound two prolonged blasts at intervals of no more than two minutes.

It is also important to remember that sound signals are not the only way to communicate with other boaters. You should always be aware of your surroundings and keep a lookout for other vessels, using visual signals such as navigation lights and flares if necessary.

By following these boater responsibilities and intentions, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable boating experience for everyone on the water.

Sailing Vessels Vs. Power-Driven Vessels

When a powerboat is underway in the fog, it is important to know the sound signals that should be used to avoid collisions with other vessels. The rules for sound signals differ between sailing vessels and power-driven vessels.

Sailing vessels under sail alone should sound one prolonged blast at intervals not exceeding two minutes. Power-driven vessels should sound one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts at intervals not exceeding two minutes.

If a sailing vessel is being propelled by machinery, it should sound the same signals as a power-driven vessel. However, if a sailing vessel is being propelled by both sail and machinery, it should sound the same signals as a sailing vessel under sail alone.

It is important to note that if you hear a fog signal from another vessel, you should respond with the same signal. This will help other vessels to locate you and avoid a collision.

Rapid Bell Ringing and Its Significance

When a powerboat is underway in the fog, it is essential to use sound signals to alert other vessels of your presence. One of the most crucial sound signals is the bell, which is used to indicate the presence of a power-driven vessel.

Rapid bell ringing is an important sound signal that indicates that a vessel is in distress or is in danger of colliding with another vessel. This sound signal consists of five or more rapid rings of the bell in quick succession, followed by a short pause, and then repeated.

Rapid bell ringing is significant because it is used to indicate that a vessel is in distress and requires immediate assistance. It is also used to indicate that a vessel is in danger of colliding with another vessel and needs to take evasive action.

In addition to rapid bell ringing, there are other sound signals that powerboats can use to indicate their presence in the fog. These include the whistle, which is used to indicate the vessel's position, and the horn, which is used to indicate the vessel's intention to maneuver.

It is essential for all powerboat operators to understand the significance of sound signals and to use them appropriately when underway in the fog. By doing so, they can help prevent collisions and ensure the safety of everyone on board.

Seas and Fog

When navigating in foggy conditions, it is important to be aware of the sea state. Waves can become unpredictable and dangerous, even in calm conditions. Keep a lookout for any changes in the sea state, and adjust your speed and course accordingly.

In foggy conditions, you should sound a prolonged blast on your horn at intervals of no more than two minutes. This signal indicates that you are underway and cannot see other vessels. Other vessels in the area will also be sounding their horns, so listen carefully and keep track of their location.

If you are in an area with heavy traffic, you may also hear short blasts from other vessels. This signal indicates that they are altering their course to starboard (right). If you hear two short blasts, it means they are altering their course to port (left).

Remember to always proceed at a safe speed in foggy conditions. Slow down if necessary, and keep a lookout for other vessels. By following these guidelines, you can safely navigate through foggy conditions and avoid collisions with other boats.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of one prolonged blast from a powerboat in foggy conditions.

One prolonged blast from a powerboat in foggy conditions indicates that the boat is underway and is not moving in relation to the fog. This is a warning signal that the boat is approaching other boats or objects and is requesting that they take appropriate action to avoid a collision.

What should you do when you hear a fog signal from a powerboat?

When you hear a fog signal from a powerboat, you should reduce your speed and proceed with caution. You should also listen carefully for other signals from the boat, such as the number of short blasts, to determine its position and direction.

How many sound signals are used when signaling to boaters about inclement weather?

When signaling to boaters about inclement weather, two sound signals are used. One prolonged blast is used to signal that the boat is underway, and three short blasts are used to signal that the boat is at anchor or stopped.

When should you have appointed lookouts in place while operating a boat?

You should have appointed lookouts in place while operating a boat in all conditions, including clear weather and foggy conditions. Lookouts should be positioned in a way that allows them to see in all directions and should be trained to identify and report any potential hazards.

What is the meaning of three short blasts from a boat?

Three short blasts from a boat indicate that the boat is at anchor or stopped and is not moving in relation to the fog. This signal is used to indicate the boat's position and direction.

What are the different sound signals used by boats and ships in foggy conditions?

The different sound signals used by boats and ships in foggy conditions include one prolonged blast to indicate that the boat is underway, two prolonged blasts to indicate that the boat is backing up, and three short blasts to indicate that the boat is at anchor or stopped. Additionally, boats and ships may use other signals, such as five short blasts to indicate danger or an emergency situation.

Man killed in boat crash off Old Saybrook identified, search continues for 2 missing men

Published september 4, 2024 • updated on september 5, 2024 at 8:45 am.

Two men are still missing after a boat crash in Long Island Sound on Labor Day that killed one of their friends and a search for the missing boaters is underway on Wednesday.

Nine friends were on the 31-foot motorboat, returning from a day on Block Island, when it hit a jetty at the mouth of the Connecticut River around 9:15 p.m. Monday, according to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection EnCon Police.

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One person was found dead in the vessel. The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has identified him as 34-year-old Christopher Hallahan, of Westbrook.

Six other people who were on the boat were taken to the hospital and one of them is in critical condition, Connecticut Environmental Police Captain Keith Williams said Tuesday morning.

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Officials believe that person was driving the boat, but they have not confirmed that. Another of the six people was released from the hospital and two men are still missing.

The capsized boat was recovered from the river on Tuesday and it was pulled from the water around 11:30 a.m.

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The investigation is ongoing, but investigators are looking into darkness and speed as possible factors in the cause of the crash.

The search was suspended around 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday and resumed at 8 a.m. on Wednesday.

Officials from DEEP said that if they do not find anyone on Wednesday, the search will be suspended at sunset and resume on Thursday morning.

Officials have not identified the other people who were on the boat but said they have ties to the local community.

Multiple agencies, including police and fire crews from several nearby towns, the State Police Dive Unit, and a helicopter from the U.S. Coast Guard station on Cape Cod have been involved in the search.

On Labor Day weekend in 2023, four people were hurt in a similar crash. A few weeks earlier, another boat hit the jetty at the mouth of the river and a man was hospitalized.

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