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When meeting or crossing on inland waters, what do two short blasts mean?

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

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  1. I am in doubt about your intentions
  2. I am operating astern propulsion
  3. I intend to leave you on my starboard side ✔

Why: Under Inland Rule 34, two short blasts mean 'I intend to leave you on my starboard side.' If the other boat agrees, it answers with two short blasts.

Huh, didn't know that: Three short blasts mean 'I am operating astern propulsion,' which tells others the boat is backing.

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What do you call a fish that practices medicine? A sturgeon.
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References

Answer: I intend to leave you on my starboard side. Under Inland Rule 34, two short blasts mean 'I intend to leave you on my starboard side.' If the other boat agrees, it answers with two short blasts.

  1. 33 CFR 83.34 Maneuvering and warning signals, Inland Rule 34 (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/section-83.34
    Two short blasts to mean “I intend to leave you on my starboard side”
    Checked 2026-10-08.
  2. 33 CFR 83.34 Maneuvering and warning signals, Inland Rule 34 (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/section-83.34
    Three short blasts to mean “I am operating astern propulsion”.
    Checked 2026-10-08.

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