RECOGNIZED DISTRESS SIGNALS
The following are some of the signals that are recognized as indicating distress and need of assistance.DISTRESS.JPG (88149 bytes)

On Coastal waters, most boaters must carry Coast Guard approved visual distress signalling devices. Write the Department of Boating and Waterways for more information on visual distress requirements or consult the "ABC's of California Boating Law."

 

INLAND RULES OF THE ROAD

SIGNALS 
Short Blast - 1 second 
Prolonged Blast - 4 to 6 seconds

CROSS SIGNALS 
Use of cross signals, answering one signal with two or with one, is forbidden. 

REVERSE 
Three short blasts indicate engines going astern
(in reverse). 

CROSSING 
Give-way vessel, vessel which has the other on the starboard(right), keeps out of the way and avoids crossing ahead of stand-on vessel. Stand-on vessel holds course and speed. 
CROSSING

DANGER 
Five or more short blasts sounded in rapid succession indicates risk of collision or intent of other vessel not understood. 

 



INLAND RULES OF THE ROAD(CONT.)

REDUCED VISIBILITY 
Power-driven vessels 
  • Making way through the water - one prolonged blast sounded at two-minute intervals. 
  • Underway but stopped and making no way through the water - two prolonged blasts in succession with two second intervals between blasts sounded at two-minute intervals.

Sailboats or Vessels not under command, restricted in ability to maneuver, towing or pushing another vessel, or engaged in fishing with nets or trawling 

  • One prolonged followed by two short blasts sounded at two-minute intervals.

MEETING HEAD-ON OR NEARLY SO 
One short blast. Both vessels alter course to starboard(right) to pass port (left) to port. 
MEETING HEAD-ON OR ...

 

 OVERTAKING
One or two short blasts
OVERTAKING

CALIFORNIA UNIFORM WATERWAY MARKER SYSTEM
REGULATORY OR ADVISORY MARKERS

CA UNIFORM WATERWAY MARKER SYSTEM

 

AIDS TO NAVIGATION
(WHEN GOING UPSTREAM)

AIDS TO NAVIGATION (WHEN GOING UPSTREAM)


WEATHER ADVISORIES
WEATHER ADVISORIES