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AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/boat-one-short-blast

On inland waters, what does one short blast mean when meeting or crossing another powerboat?

'I intend to leave you on my port side.'

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  1. I am backing up
  2. I intend to leave you on my port side ✔
  3. I intend to leave you on my starboard side

Why: Inland Rule 34 says one short blast means 'I intend to leave you on my port side.' The other boat answers with one short blast if it agrees.

Huh, didn't know that: On inland waters these whistle signals announce what you intend to do; on international waters they signal an action being taken.

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References

Answer: I intend to leave you on my port side. Inland Rule 34 says one short blast means 'I intend to leave you on my port side.' The other boat answers with one short blast if it agrees.

  1. 33 CFR 83.34 Maneuvering and warning signals, Inland Rule 34 (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/section-83.34
    One short blast to mean “I intend to leave you on my port side”
    Checked 2026-10-08.
  2. USCG A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats (2023) www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/AssetManager/Boaters-Guide-to-Federal-Requirements-for-Receational-Boats-20231108.pdf
    when operating on inland waters, sound signals are signals of intent; when operating on international waters, they are signals of action.
    Checked 2026-10-08.

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Test yourself in the game

Boating & WaterWhen meeting or crossing on inland waters, what do two short blasts mean?Boating & WaterWhat do five or more short, rapid blasts on a boat's horn mean?Boating & WaterNearing a blind bend in a channel, what sound signal should you give?

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