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In California: Troutman & Associates, Inc. Insurance Services, License #0D69231
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Vessels less than 12 meters (39.4 Feet) long: An efficient sound-producing device, such as an air horn or whistle is required.
Vessels greater than 12 meters (39.4 Feet) long: In addition to an airhorn or whistle a bell is required.
Unpowered boat operators are required to carry a device capable of sounding a prolonged blast for 4-6 seconds that can be heard by another boat operator in time to avoid a collision.
An athletic coach's whistle is an acceptable sound producing device for unpowered boats. It is unlawful to use a sound producing device on the water under any circumstance except a situation in which assistance is needed because of immediate or potential danger to the persons onboard or it is necessary to attract the attention of another boat.
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In periods of reduced visibility or whenever a vessel operator needs to signal his or her intentions or position, a sound-producing device is essential. The navigation rules for meeting head-on, crossing, and overtaking situations are examples of when sound signals are required.
Less than 16 feet long (Class I) | None required, but at least a whistle is recommended |
16 feet long or longer but less than 26 feet long (Class II) | Whistle or other sound-producing device required |
26 feet long or longer (Class III or IV) | Whistle or other sound-producing device and a bell required |
*Federal reservoirs in Iowa include Saylorville, Red Rock, Rathbun, and Coralville Reservoirs.
Less than 39.4 feet (12 meters) long (includes PWC) | Something such as handheld air horn, an athletic whistle, or an installed horn required |
39.4 feet (12 meters) long or longer | Sound signal should be audible for one-half mile and should last for 4 to 6 seconds |