When should you sound the horn on a vessel?

Sounding the horn on a vessel is an important communication practice to signal your presence or intentions to other boaters, especially in situations where visibility is reduced. This can occur during fog, heavy rain, or at night. By signaling when visibility is poor, you help other vessels become aware of your location and avoid potential collisions.

Additionally, sounding the horn can be used to communicate with other vessels, such as indicating that you are overtaking or passing, or to warn of your presence in any situation where you might be in close proximity to another boat. Understanding these signals is crucial for maintaining safety on the water and following navigational rules.

While there are specific times when horn signals are mandated, such as during docking or in boat races, the broad guideline emphasizes using the horn for signaling in various situations, particularly when visibility is compromised or when communicating with other vessels. This underscores the importance of being proactive about safety on the water.