International Whistle Signals

across the mouths of harbors, bays, and inlets. (See figure 19.) INTERNATIONAL WHISTLE SIGNALS International Rules of the Road must be obeyed by all public and private vessels of the United States navigating upon the high seas. These laws were established after a thorough study and an agreement made by most of the maritime nations of the world. These rules became effective for the United States after passage of an act of Congress. Most of the signals shown below are signals of execution. The first two are rudder signals to be given when actually changing course when another vessel is within sight. A short blast is equal to about 1 second in dura- tion; a prolonged blast, 4 to 6 seconds in duration. Signal Meaning One short blast I am altering my course to starboard Two short blasts I am altering my course to port Three short blasts I am operating astern pro- pulsion Five or more short Danger signal blasts One prolonged blast INLAND WHISTLE SIGNALS I am approaching a blind bend in the channel Inland Rules of the Road are to be followed by all vessels navigating upon certain inland waters of the United States. The whistle signals listed below generally 43