Rescue Whistles & Handheld Air Horns

Emergency Whistles and Portable Air Horns Resources and Information

PartsVu offers a complete selection of emergency whistles and portable air horns to signal help in emergency situations out on the water. The US Coast Guard reccomends that every boat over 24’ has an emergency sound producing device like a whistle or a horn on board. To learn more US Coat Guard guidelines, check out this post on our blog titled US Goast Guard Requirements: Boat Safety Equipment. 

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Rescue Whistles & Handheld Air Horns FAQs

What is the purpose of having an audio distress device on my boat?

Sound signals used on the water are like turn signal indicators used to signal intentions on the road. Sound signals are also like an automobile’s horn used to let other drivers know you are near or to alert them of danger.

Sound signals are composed of short and prolonged blasts and must be audible for at least one-half mile:

Short blast—about one second in duration

Prolonged blast—4-6 seconds in duration

Common sound signals include:

• One short blast tells other boaters “I intend to pass you on my left (port) side.”
• Two short blasts tell other boaters “I intend to pass you on my right (starboard) side.”
• Three short blasts tell other boaters “I am backing up (operating astern propulsion).”

Restricted visibility includes:

• One prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes is the signal used by power-driven vessels when making way.
• One prolonged blast plus two short blasts at intervals of not more than two minutes is the signal used by sailboats.

Common warning signals include:

• One prolonged blast is a warning signal (for example, used when coming around a blind bend or leaving a dock)
• Five (or more) short, rapid blasts signal danger or signal that you do not understand or that you believe the other boater is operating incorrectly.

How do I safely prepare to take my boat out on the water?

1. This is going to sound very basic but, learn to swim. Being on and around boats means that at some point you will fall in the water and might not have your life jacket on. There are many local organizations that offering swimming lessons. Have fun and gain confidence.
   
   
2. Check the weather and if applicable tide reports seeing if there are any conditions of which you should be aware.
   
   
3. Make sure you have all the necessary paperwork/documentation on hand. This includes your boater safety license (if required), some form of government-issued picture ID, and the boat’s registration.
   
   
4. Have at least one life jacket onboard for each person who will be on the trip. Make sure everyone has a life jacket that properly fits. If it does not fit, it does not count as a life jacket for that person and you are in violation. Life jackets should be in good condition and in an easily accessible location. Note: many states have laws for mandatory wearing of life jackets for children of certain ages. Familiarize yourself with these and other boating-related laws.
   
   
5. Be sure to have a throwable floatation device, oar(s), and visual distress signals on hand in case of an emergency. If using flares for a visual distress signal, check the expiration date. If they are expired, you are in violation.
   
   
6. Fire extinguishers should be quickly accessible and in working condition. Make sure your fire extinguisher is not expired. Check the date! If it is expired, you are in violation.
   
   
7. Test that the horn and compass are working. We like to recommend an additional non-electronic noisemaker such as a whistle or hand-powered style horn. In case you have lost battery power, it is imperative to be able to make noise at the appropriate time. It can save you from an accident or direct help to you where visual recognition is impeded or impossible. If you can’t be seen, BE HEARD!
   
   
8. Check your fuel levels and that you have enough fuel for your trip. Part of your “before you go boating check” is a review of the boat. Make sure you do not detect any strong fuel smells in the air. If you do, it could be indicative of a leak.
   
   
9. Test the navigation lights for functionality.
   
   
10. File a float plan. Let someone on land know exactly where you are going, who’s going, and for how long.
    
    
11. Have a first aid kit on board and appropriately stocked.

What are some of the most popular boating safety equipment? 

Type I, offshore life jackets provide the most buoyancy and are specifically designed for rough, open waters, where rescue might be delayed. They are also designed to turn an unconscious person face-up in the water.

Given that man-overboard situations can be sudden and deadly when boating offshore, automatically inflating PFDs are a must. Automatic inflation relies mostly on a dissolvable bobbin with a spring/pin arrangement. The water dissolves the bobbin, and the spring-powered pin punches the CO2 canister for inflation. Because the spring/pin arrangement can fail, every automatically inflating PFD has a manual cord and oral inflation tube. Many PFDs designed for offshore boating include pockets for PLBs and strobe lights.

A ditch bag must contain the items needed to call for help and to survive in a life raft while waiting for rescue. A ditch bag must be kept in an accessible location on board, ready for immediate removal should the need arise.

We recommend against trying to adapt a duffel bag or using a dry bag. Rather, we advise using bags specifically designed for abandon-ship/survival situations. What features should your ditch bag have? Floatation, water-resistance, bright colors for visibility, carrying straps, and tethers for sure. Additionally, we suggest looking for a bag with well-designed dividers so you can organize your gear. Finally, the bag must be large enough to contain survival gear plus food and water for you and all others on board.

What boat safety accessories does the US Coast Guard recommend boaters to carry?

An SOS electric distress light is an LED visual distress signal device that meets US Coast Guard requirements and completely replaces traditional pyrotechnic flares. Electronic flares never expire (pyrotechnic flares must be less than 42 months old) and also solve flare disposal problems. Also, an LED electric distress light flashes for up to 60 hours, whereas traditional flares last minutes or less. These lights flash only the SOS sequence, per USCG requirements, and are visible up to 10 nautical miles.

Visual Distress Signaling Flags

Visual distress signaling flags must carry the manufacturer’s certification that they meet Coast Guard requirements. They must be in serviceable condition and stowed to be readily accessible.

Sound Producing Devices

A horn or whistle is recommended for vessels 26′ or less to signal intentions or signal position. However, for boats 26′ – 40′, a horn or whistle is required to sign intentions or signal position.

Ventilation

A US Coast Guard-standard system is required on gasoline-powered vessels with enclosed engine compartments on vessels built after August 1980.

Backfire Flame Arrestor

One Coast Guard-approved device is required on each carburetor of all gasoline-powered engines that are built after August 1980. Outboard motors are an exception to this. This applies to vessels up to 40’, except kayaks and canoes.

Oil & Garbage Placards

A 5″ x 8″ oil discharge placard and 4″ x 9″ waste discharge placard is required for boats between 26’ – 40’. Newer boats will come with this placard; however, a placard might need to be purchased for an older boat.

Marine Sanitation Device

Boats with installed toilet facilities must have an operable, US Coast Guard-certified Type I, II, or III marine sanitation device (MSD). These devices are also subject to local laws.

Navigation Lights

Recreational boats operating at night must display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise. The basic rule is that sidelights, masthead, and stern lights are required. However, please refer to the US Coast Guard’s “A Boater’s Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boaters” for details.