Travelling in maritime waters requires measures to be taken, such as the use of a foghorn. This makes it possible to make noise and signal our presence to other boats. Some boats are required to use this type of device.
Boats in fog
If the fog level exceeds a certain threshold, it becomes necessary to use the horn. Without this action, the surrounding boats may collide with yours. There is a set of criteria that you need to meet for this type of device. For example, you must be heard for at least 2 nautical miles, or 4km.
The main purpose here is to let people know that there are other boats in the area. Some vessels may need assistance, and by signalling your presence, you make yourself available. If the fog greatly impairs visibility, your foghorn should be used frequently until it clears.
Models that are required to have a
The size of your boat is the decisive point in whether or not you need a foghorn or not. If your boat is 12 metres or longer, you are obliged to buy one. If not, you are liable to a fine.
Below this threshold, there are no such penalties if you do not have a working horn. On the other hand, it is still advisable, because of its most important practical application at sea. In many cases it can be of great use to you.
The need to make noise when boating
On large bodies of water it is important to be able to determine which boats are present in your immediate vicinity. Even if it is not a foghorn for small boats, you should be able to indicate your presence acoustically.
For this you can use a pan, for example, on which you tap. The main thing is to be able to be heard over a long distance. This measure in particular can help you to notify others of your presence on the sea. This is because there are no elements that will block the passage of sound.
The nature of the noise to be made
Another rule about foghorns for boats is that they should produce a sound that can be either low or high pitched. Smaller boats should use a high-pitched sound, and as the boats get larger, a low-pitched sound should be used.
So, from a certain threshold, large boats will be required to use gongs. These produce a powerful sound with a low tone. Thus, the sound can be used to deduce that a boat is not far away, as well as the size of the boat. The trick is to be careful when making your choices about these.
