Rule 34(a) · Maneuvering & warning
Two short blasts
International: “I am altering my course to port.” Inland: “I intend to leave you on my starboard side” — a proposal that must be answered.
You hear: 2 short blasts.
Meaning
“I am altering my course to port.” An action signal announcing a turn already being made, sounded by a power-driven vessel underway and in sight of another vessel.
“I intend to leave you on my starboard side.” A proposal for a starboard-to-starboard passing, used when power-driven vessels meet or cross within half a mile. The other vessel answers with the same signal if in agreement, or the danger signal if in doubt.
Key facts
- Sounded by
- Power-driven vessel underway, in sight of another vessel
- Repeated
- Not a repeating signal — sounded when the situation calls for it
- Applies under
- International & US Inland
- Notation
- · ·
Related signals
Source: Rule 34(a) — USCG Navigation Rules (International & Inland)
Rule text is reproduced from the public-domain USCG Navigation Rules. Audio is synthesized to Rule 32 timings.