Question 1

What does the COLREGS define as a 'short blast' and a 'prolonged blast'?

Accepted Answer

Short: approximately 1 second; prolonged: 4-6 seconds. SOUND SIGNAL DEFINITIONS (Rule 32): SHORT BLAST: a blast of approximately 1 second duration. PROLONGED BLAST: a blast of from 4 to 6 seconds duration. These precise definitions are important: one second blasts for manoeuvring signals; 4-6 second blasts for fog signals. The length of the blast is how vessels distinguish between types of signal. An imprecise short blast (3 seconds) could be confused with the start of a prolonged blast, training in signal recognition is essential.

Question 2

How is a short blast defined in COLREGs Rule 32?

Accepted Answer

A blast of about 1 second duration. Rule 32(b) defines a short blast as a blast of about one second's duration. A prolonged blast (32(c)) is four to six seconds. Whistle is defined in 32(a) as any sound-signalling appliance capable of producing the prescribed blasts and meeting Annex III specifications.

Question 3

How long is a prolonged blast under Rule 32?

Accepted Answer

4 to 6 seconds. Rule 32(c) sets a prolonged blast at four to six seconds. Used for power-driven vessel making way (Rule 35(a)), restricted visibility approach to a bend (Rule 34(e)), and manoeuvring/warning combinations.

Rule 32, questions and explanations

What does the COLREGS define as a 'short blast' and a 'prolonged blast'?

How is a short blast defined in COLREGs Rule 32?

How long is a prolonged blast under Rule 32?

Practise this properly

Rule 32, questions and explanations

Questions

What does the COLREGS define as a 'short blast' and a 'prolonged blast'?

How is a short blast defined in COLREGs Rule 32?

How long is a prolonged blast under Rule 32?

Practise this properly