sound signals?

[DWT]

Following on from the thread about rowers and someone who sounded a horn to warn a rower of his presence, I wonder how many use the appropriate sound signals on the river. I use them from time to time and the passenger boat skippers use them a lot to indicate their intentions, but I suspect they can be misinterpreted as a sign of aggression especially as this tends to be how the horn tends to be used on the road.

 

[byron]

Steamer Skippers use them a lot for good reason. If there's an incident they can claim they gave the correct signals. (It isn't their fault that the pleasure boat Skipper didn't understand them.)
Some Skippers will even announce their intentions on the local working channel. i.e. "This is XYZ blowing four + two at such and such a position"

 

[CX54WEK]

We use them but we often wonder why as most people don't seem to bother learning what they mean.

 

[bumperdump]

no idea on the horn signals, however I do not reverse up the river, occasionally looking over my shoulder to see my way.

 

[TrueBlue]

Steamer Skippers use them a lot for good reason. If there's an incident they can claim they gave the correct signals. (It isn't their fault that the pleasure boat Skipper didn't understand them.)
Some Skippers will even announce their intentions on the local working channel. i.e. "This is XYZ blowing four + two at such and such a position"

Apologies, Byron - but I'm inclined to disagree - certainly not in the areas where we cruise. The last few years have been silent, but recently I've noticed that French's at Windsor make a half hearted attempt to issue some signal - usually limited to a 'I'm turning to Starboard' which is used for 'I'm going round the island' or coming away from the same - or any other manoeuvre.

I insist in giving signals if I feel I'm unsighted or there is some doubt that other boaters aren't behaving in a way that I can interpret.....

The Management always objects strongly (probably 'cos she's right by the horn... and feels it destroys the peace and quiet of the River)
Lockies object if you toot them as they feel it casts aspersions on their professional competence.

Just can't win.

 

[alanch]

I always sound a long blast coming out of the marina into the river. The startled look on passing rowers faces is precious. However, I usually end up going astern to let them past.

 

[No Regrets]

It's all a bit pointless when the recipients don't understand.

Better to save them for when really understood by your local audience!

 

[Big John]

It's all a bit pointless when the recipients don't understand.

Better to save them for when really understood by your local audience!

Hire boats, day boats and most private skippers do not have a clue about sound signals, in fact they think you are being aggressive. Speed and wash are another thing boaters do not understand.

 

[Phill]

I use them, mainly because it keeps the horn working and a previous owner stuck the meanings on a card next to the helm.

 

[byron]

Hire boats, day boats and most private skippers do not have a clue about sound signals, in fact they think you are being aggressive. Speed and wash are another thing boaters do not understand.

With respect you are missing the point. If you have given the correct signals and there's an incident then you have acted correctly. The fact that the other party didn't understand your signals is not your responsibility. Whether it be an Admiralty Court or an Insurance Company you can state that you acted in accordance with maritime law.

 

[Big John]

With respect you are missing the point. If you have given the correct signals and there's an incident then you have acted correctly. The fact that the other party didn't understand your signals is not your responsibility. Whether it be an Admiralty Court or an Insurance Company you can state that you acted in accordance with maritime law.

With respect I have not missed the point. I agree 100% for all signals, sound or others to make clear intentions of movement. I just stated that not all users of the river will understand them.

 

[byron]

With respect I have not missed the point. I agree 100% for all signals, sound or others to make clear intentions of movement. I just stated that not all users of the river will understand them.

A thousand pardons I am absolutely in agreement with you. I'm just observing that by giving sound signals ones posterior is covered so it isn't a useless exercise.

 

[teddington_lock]

Lockies object if you toot them as they feel it casts aspersions on their professional competence.

.

I don't mind if you toot me up

Just don't do it if you are in a rush to get anywhere

 

[boatone]

A thousand pardons I am absolutely in agreement with you. I'm just observing that by giving sound signals ones posterior is covered so it isn't a useless exercise.

But be aware that, if ones posterior is covered, the sound signals will be sonewhat muffled .....

 

[stuartbaggs]

Turks are always pretty good with their sound signals

 

[TrueBlue]

I don't mind if you toot me up

Just don't do it if you are in a rush to get anywhere

Ah, but, yes, but - you're one of the sensible ones

One of your colleagues further upstream - towards some castle or other (IIRC) became quite sniffy and avoided eye contact when I was in the lock. Took ages to get him back on side again....

 

[byron]

Turks are always pretty good with their sound signals

Over 20 years ago there was an incident at the top of the Henley Course where either the Empress of India or the Windsor Castle blew a 4+1 which he also called on the working channel. Unfortunately a Skiff was overturned. Nothing came of it because John Duchard (who remembers him?) witnessed that he heard the Sounds both audibly and on the VHF. The Skiff owner who was visibly furious admitted he didn't know what the Sounds meant and John told him in no uncertain terms his take on the matter.

 

[mlines]

Ok - I will bite.

The "plus 1" or "plus 2" are ok ie. course change to starboard and port respectively.

But what is the four?

 

[apollo]

Ok - I will bite.

The "plus 1" or "plus 2" are ok ie. course change to starboard and port respectively.

But what is the four?

If all else fails, get out the effing way, if its any consolation Mr Google dont know either

 

[mlines]

Surely that's 5 blasts - "I don't know what the eff you are doing"