Page 12 - Experience Oregon Boating Handbook

2. Sound devices. A boat less than 39 feet 4 inches (12 Common sound signals
meters) must carry a sound producing device such as a
Some common sound signals that you should be familiar with as a

whistle or compressed air horn. recreational boater are:

3. Two B-1 type approved fire extinguishers or one B-II • A short blast, lasting one second.
type approved portable fired extinguisher. When an • A prolonged blast lasting 4-6 seconds.

approved fixed fire extinguishing system is installed, one Changing direction
less B-I type is required.
4. An approved carburetor backfire flame arrestor for • One short blast tells other boaters,“I intend to pass you on my
inboard motors not exposed to the atmosphere above the port (left side).”
gunwale.
5. An effective muffling system for the exhaust of each • Two short blasts tell other boaters,“I intend to pass you on my
internal combustion engine. starboard (right) side.”

• Three short blasts tell other boaters,“I am backing up.”

6. A ventilation system, the particular type dependent upon Restricted Visibility
when the boat was built. See“Ventilation”on page 14 &
15. • One prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes
is a signal used by power driven vessels when underway.
7. Lights (see pages 14).
NOTE: Lighting is required only when the boat is underway • One prolonged blast, plus 2 short blasts at intervals of
or at anchor between sunset and sunrise and during not more than two minutes apart, is the signal used by sailing
restricted visibility. vessels.

Motorboats 40 feet and less than 65 feet Warning

Must carry the following equipment: • One prolonged blast is a warning signal (for example, used
1. A U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, Type I, II or when coming around a blind bend or exiting a slip).

III, for each person on board, of an appropriate size for • Five or more short rapid blasts signal danger, or signal
the intended wearer that is readily accessible and a Type that you do not understand or that you disagree with the other
IV throwable cushion. boater’s intentions.
2. Sound devices. A boat of more than 39 feet 4 inches
(12 meters), but less than 65 feet 6 inches (20 meters) Personal Flotation Devices–
must carry on board a bell and a whistle, or a horn. The PFDs (Life Jackets)

whistle and the bell must comply with existing federal All boats must carry at least one U.S. Coast Guard approved

specifications. personal flotation device/life jacket for every person aboard.

3. Three B-1 type approved fire extinguishers or one Persons being towed are considered on board. PFDs must be
B-I type plus one B-II type approved portable fire in serviceable condition. They must not have any rips, tears,

extinguishers. When an approved fixed fire extinguishing or broken straps. All life jackets must also be kept“readily

system is installed, one less B-I type is required. accessible”for use in an emergency situation. Life jackets

4. An approved carburetor backfire flame arrestor for in a plastic bag or in a storage compartment are not readily

inboard motors not exposed to the atmosphere above the accessible.

gunwale. Each person on board a personal watercraft must wear a

5. An effective muffling system for the exhaust of each Type I, II or III personal flotation device.

internal combustion engine. • Children age 12 and under must wear a U.S. Coast Guard

6. A ventilation system, the particular type dependent upon approved life jacket at all times while on an open deck

when the boat was built. See“Ventilation”on page 14 & or cockpit of vessels that are underway or when being

15 towed. Inflatable PFD’s are not approved for children
7. Lights (see pages 14-15). under 16.
• Non-swimmers should always wear life jackets.
NOTE: Lighting is required only when the boat is underway • All devices must be a suitable size for the intended wearer
or at anchor between sunset and sunrise and during
restricted visibility. and approved for the appropriate activity.
• All boats 16 feet in length or longer must have one U.S.
Sound Producing Devices
Coast Guard approved Type IV (throwable cushion) on
In periods of reduced visibility or whenever a vessel board and it must be readily accesible for use.
operator needs to signal his or her intentions or position, • Life jackets are required to be worn
a sound producing device is essential. Know the rules for in Class III or higher whitewater
meeting head-on, crossing, and overtaking situations. The rapids.
sound producing device may be a whistle, horn, or bell that
Inflatable PFDs
is audible for 1/2 mile. All vessels on state and federally

controlled waters must have a sound producing device to Inflatable PFDs are becoming

communicate. increasingly popular because

they are comfortable, lightweight, and

nonrestrictive. Inflatable PFDs are not approved

12 for high impact sports such as riding a personal watercraft.