Rule 35(c) · Restricted visibility
Hampered vessel (fog)
One prolonged + two short blasts every 2 minutes — not under command, restricted in ability to maneuver, constrained by draft (International), sailing, fishing, or towing/pushing.
You hear: 1 prolonged blast, then 2 short blasts.
Meaning
Instead of the power-driven signals, a vessel not under command, a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver, a vessel constrained by her draft, a sailing vessel, a vessel engaged in fishing, or a vessel towing or pushing another sounds one prolonged followed by two short blasts every 2 minutes. Under International Rules, a fishing vessel at anchor or a RAM vessel working at anchor sounds this instead of the anchor bell (Rule 35(d)).
The Inland list omits “a vessel constrained by her draft” (that category exists only in the International Rules) and states that the restricted-in-ability-to-maneuver signal applies whether underway or at anchor.
Key facts
- Sounded by
- Vessel not under command, restricted in ability to maneuver, constrained by draft (International only), sailing, fishing, or towing/pushing
- Repeated
- every 2 minutes
- Applies under
- International & US Inland
- Notation
- — · ·
The vessels that sound this signal also show specific lights and day shapes.
Lights & ShapesRelated signals
Source: Rule 35(c) — USCG Navigation Rules (International & Inland)
Rule text is reproduced from the public-domain USCG Navigation Rules. Audio is synthesized to Rule 32 timings.