How to warn some other boat?

[Richard_W]

How to warn some other boat that it is getting into trouble?

For example, the other boat is speeding mindlessly on the wrong side of a channel marker toward a rocky shoal?

Waving hands and yelling does not work, VHF radio does not work, and only option is the horn signal or some pyrotechnics ... is 5 SHORT inappropriate, or too much?

[stillbuilding]

Assuming that you do not have a 'U' or 'K' flag to fly, and assuming the object skipper would not understand their meaning anyway, I would guess 5 short blasts would be most appropriate. Repeat until noted.

[ozskipper]

There is a colgregs signal of 5 shorts blasts which means "I am unaware of your intentions." Its really designed for when two boats meet. However, any commercial or well trained skipper would know it. Whether or not he knows you are talking about him would be the questionable part. However, at the very least it would attract his attention.

[bobconnie]

With 5 horn blasts, he my or not know whats going on ! but at least he might try to find out what ya want! but if hes dumb enough to be doing what he's doing, he will mostly just wave and smile !! LOL

[zeehag]

usually dont those in the fast boat's situation deny the fact they are in trouble and continue on anyway....is a male stubbornness thing,, i think....come on guys, you dont even ask directions when yer lost...why would yáll even think the horn was for your actions....has gotta be for someone else....

[atoll]

many times in coral anchorages i have hopped in my rib and led vessels in through tricky enterances when they start wavering or circuling out side.

quite a few times in disasterous parking attempts i have ended up hopping on the boat and parking it for them!

many times times we have ended up towing boats off the bricks after standing on the bow and signaling.

rule no1 when signaling is to make eye contact so the person knows you are trying to tell them something.

rule no 2 is to make clear and consise signals using both arms to point.

genarally shouting is a waste of time untill very close due to wind or engine noise.

[David M]

5 short might work. It would be appropriate since it means "What are your intentions?"

[transformer]

Originally Posted by Richard_W

How to warn some other boat....

....the other boat is speeding mindlessly on the wrong side of a channel marker toward a rocky shoal?

why bother, just bring popcorn, coke and enjoy yourself...

[Rhapsody-NS27]

Originally Posted by zeehag

usually dont those in the fast boat's situation deny the fact they are in trouble and continue on anyway....is a male stubbornness thing,, i think....come on guys, you dont even ask directions when yer lost...why would yáll even think the horn was for your actions....has gotta be for someone else....

That's why some of us have GPS that tells us where to go.

[Richard_W]

Thank you all for the confirmation and comments.

The marked and visible part of the shoal in question is not only in the middle of what looks like perfect deep water but its underwater part (shelf) extends to one shore. Every season there is a bad grounding there, and we see number of power boats cutting thru that area. The jet boats are ususally lucky ... the I/Os are usually not.

The 5 SHORT blasts and eye contact with both arms pointing in the right direction ... from now on.

I wonder if we also should carry a sign on the boat with explicit "YOU" wording ...

[Bash]

For a significant number of boaters, especially powerboaters, everything they learned about boating came from their experience driving a car. They will have no idea that nautical whistle signals amount to anything other than what a taxi driver means when he honks his horn.

Best bet would probably be a hail on VHF 16.

I was once passed by a 50'ish ChrisCraft Connie that was towing his tender upside down. I tried to raise him on the radio, and when that didn't work, gave a blast on the whistle. He circled back around, flipped me off, and then powered into the sunset, the tender still upside down.

[Ocean Girl]

Originally Posted by atoll

many times in coral anchorages i have hopped in my rib and led vessels in through tricky enterances when they start wavering or circuling out side.

quite a few times in disasterous parking attempts i have ended up hopping on the boat and parking it for them!

many times times we have ended up towing boats off the bricks after standing on the bow and signaling.

rule no1 when signaling is to make eye contact so the person knows you are trying to tell them something.

rule no 2 is to make clear and consise signals using both arms to point.

genarally shouting is a waste of time untill very close due to wind or engine noise.

Nice post, love you good samaritans
Hope you are around when we need a little help.
E

[ImaginaryNumber]

Originally Posted by ozskipper

There is a colgregs signal of 5 shorts blasts which means "I am unaware of your intentions." Its really designed for when two boats meet. However, any commercial or well trained skipper would know it. Whether or not he knows you are talking about him would be the questionable part. However, at the very least it would attract his attention.

It appears that for commercial shipping either eight or nine blasts of the horn is the proper number -- or maybe not!


Bulk Carrier Runs Over Cargo Ship in Singapore Straits

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by Richard_W

How to warn some other boat that it is getting into trouble?

For example, the other boat is speeding mindlessly on the wrong side of a channel marker toward a rocky shoal?

Waving hands and yelling does not work, VHF radio does not work, and only option is the horn signal or some pyrotechnics ... is 5 SHORT inappropriate, or too much?

5 short.

Jump to camera and switch from pic to movie mode.

[delmarrey]

A nice 1,000,000 candle power beam/light would get their attention, then some horning with some arm signaling is about the best bet IMO.

But if all else fails, just kick back and enjoy the show...


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