T&T: Horn signals for passing

[Ken Bloomfield]

I heartily agree that in this day and age that establishing 
communication between passing vessels (overtaking or meeting) is prudent 
and should be easy and routine.  Normally every vessel should have on 
board a VHF and should be monitoring it on channel 16.  However, 
strictly speaking, in many (perhaps most) situations (i.e. not a narrow 
channel, etc.) there is no requirement for a response to a whistle 
signal in International Waters.  Only in Inland Waters of the US is a 
response required in all cases.  Of course, if you are overtaking me, I 
hope you will contact me one way or the other if there is any potential 
doubt, and I will happily respond in agreement if not otherwise indicated.

Just wanted to post this as there may be many instances where you (just 
for example) overtake a vessel and signal a two whistle pass, which is 
logical, feasible, and not controversial for any reason -- and the 
overtaken vessel may have no problem, and thus not respond.  In that 
case, by CG rules, you simply go ahead and pass as indicated unless the 
overtaken vessel signals that this is problematic by issuing 5 short 
rapid blasts.  For more, read up on Rule 34 of the Navigation Rules.

Ken Bloomfield/OUPV
M/V Tellico Lady
50' Marine Trader
Maryville, TN