Ohio Administrative Code
Title 1501:47 - Division of Watercraft
Chapter 1501:47-2 - Rules of Navigation
Section 1501:47-2-34 - Maneuvering and warning signals
Current through all regulations passed and filed through September 16, 2024
(A) When power-driven vessels are in sight of one another and meeting or crossing at a distance within half a mile of each other, each vessel underway, when maneuvering as authorized or required by this rule.
(B) A vessel may supplement the whistle signals prescribed in paragraph (A) of this rule by light signals:
(C) When in sight of one another:
(D) When vessels in sight of one another are approaching each other and from any cause either vessel fails to understand the intentions or actions of the other, or is in doubt whether sufficient action is being taken by the other to avoid collision, the vessel in doubt shall immediately indicate such doubt by giving at least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle. This signal may be supplemented by a light signal of at least five short and rapid flashes.
(E) A vessel nearing a bend or an area of a channel or fairway where other vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction shall sound one prolonged blast. This signal shall be answered with a prolonged blast by any approaching vessel that may be within hearing around the bend or behind the intervening obstruction.
(F) If whistles are fitted on a vessel at a distance apart of more than one hundred meters, one whistle only shall be used for giving maneuvering and warning signals.
(G) When a power-driven vessel is leaving a dock or berth, it shall sound one prolonged blast.
(H) A vessel that reaches agreement with another vessel in a meeting, crossing, or overtaking situation by using the radiotelephone as prescribed by the "Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Act", 85 Stat. 165; 33 U.S.C. 1207, is not obliged to sound the whistle signals prescribed by this rule, but may do so. If agreement is not reached, then whistle signals shall be exchanged in a timely manner and shall prevail.
No person shall operate or permit to be operated, any vessel on the waters in this state, in violation of this rule.