Departure Question (Not Line Specific)

[BeasleysMom66]

I was watching the Ft Lauderdale cruise camera yesterday since 5 ships were in port and due to head out.  1 Princess, 1 Celebrity, 2 HAL, and 1 NCL.

 

Princess left first and I noticed that as they are mid-way in the channel they all sound their horn several times.  Princess is cute as it is several notes from the Love Boat theme.  Well at least I think it is cute.  Which led me to wonder:  is the horn blasts a maritime requirement i.e. prior to leaving the channel and heading out to open sea or is it simply because the ships know about the camera and they say "good bye" so to speak to those of us watching friends or family depart?  I know that the camera(s) at that location are on a condo building and many residents are outside or on their balconies watching the sail away(s) waving.  I just wondered if the horns were their way of "waving" back. 

 

Anyone here have a clue?

[leaveitallbehind]

I believe it is a requirement to alert other vessels of a ships' intent to commence movement in departure from the port.

Edited April 8 by leaveitallbehind

[capriccio]

Some ports may require use of horns, I know some restrict their usage so as not to bother nearby neighbors, and some may leave it up to each ship's captain.

 

Leaving Port Everglades, the residents of the Point of America condos wave and blow air horns from their balconies.  Some have even invested in cruise line flags and will wave the applicable flag for each ship departing port. 

 

The Love Boat theme horns began with the Royal Princess in 2013.  We have been in ports with two Royal class ships when they both play the theme.  Kind of cheesy but there is no mistaking whose ship is leaving.  I think I've read that Disney ships also play a variety of theme songs.

[crystalspin]

40 minutes ago, capriccio said:

Leaving Port Everglades, the residents of the Point of America condos wave and blow air horns from their balconies. 

I was thinking that @POA1 was the one to ask the OP's question. 

[CruiserBruce]

Horn signals are when ships commence movements,  or to warn other traffic. The horns in the channel at Port Everglades has become a tradition for sailaway, but is not required by anyone.

[hallux]

13 hours ago, BeasleysMom66 said:

Ft Lauderdale

 

13 hours ago, BeasleysMom66 said:

and 1 NCL.

Are you SURE that was an NCL?  NCL doesn't sail from FLL...

[MBP&O2/O]

Or .... it's been a while... this one often cropped up in oral exams ..

 

 SOUND AND LIGHT SIGNALS - DEFINITIONS

 

Rule 32 - Definitions

 

(a) The word “whistle” means any sound signalling appliance capable of producing the prescribed blasts and which complies with the specifications in Annex III to these Regulations.

 

(b) The term “short blast” means a blast of about one second’s duration.

 

(c) The term “prolonged blast” means a blast of from four to six seconds’ duration.

 

Rule 33 - Equipment for sound signals

 

(a) A vessel of 12 metres or more in length shall be provided with a whistle, a vessel of 20 metres or more in length shall be provided with a bell in addition to a whistle, and a vessel of 100 metres or more in length shall, in addition, be provided with a gong, the tone and sound of which cannot be confused with that of the bell. The whistle, bell and gong shall comply with the specifications in Annex III to these Regulations. The bell or gong or both may be replaced by other equipment having the same respective sound characteristics, provided that manual sounding of the prescribed signals shall always be possible.

 

(b) A vessel of less than 12 metres in length shall not be obliged to carry the sound signaling appliances prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule but if she does not, she shall be provided with some other means of making an efficient sound signal.

 

Rule 34 - Manoeuvring and warning signals

 

(a) When vessels are in sight of one another, a power-driven vessel underway, when manoeuvring as authorized or required by these Rules, shall indicate that manoeuvre by the following signals on her whistle

- one short blast to mean “I am altering my course to starboard”;
- two short blasts to mean “I am altering my course to port”;
- three short blasts to mean “I am operating astern propulsion”.

 

(b) Any vessel may supplement the whistle signals prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule by light signals, repeated as appropriate, whilst the manoeuvre is being carried out:

 

(i) these light signals shall have the following significance
- one flash to mean “I am altering my course to starboard”;
- two flashes to mean “I am altering my course to port”;
- three flashes to mean “I am operating astern propulsion”;
(ii) the duration of each flash shall be about one second, the interval between flashes shall be about one second, and the interval between successive signals shall be not less than ten seconds;
(iii) the light used for this signal shall, if fitted, be an all-round white light, visible at a minimum range of 5 miles, and shall comply with the provisions of Annex I to these Regulations.

 

(c) When in sight of one another in a narrow channel or fairway:

 

(i) a vessel intending to overtake another shall in compliance with Rule 9(e)(i) indicate her intention by the following signals on her whistle:
- two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast to mean “I intend to overtake you on your starboard side”;
- two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts to mean “I intend to overtake you on your port side”.
(ii) the vessel about to be overtaken when acting in accordance with Rule 9(e)(i) shall indicate her agreement by the following signal on her whistle:
- one prolonged, one short, one prolonged and one short blast, in that order.

 

(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. Such 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. Such 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 100 metres, one whistle only shall be used for giving maneuvering and warning signals.

 

Rule 35 - Sound signals in restricted visibility

 

In or near an area of restricted visibility, whether by day or night, the signals prescribed in this Rule shall be used as follows:

 

(a) A power-driven vessel making way through the water shall sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes one prolonged blast.

 

(b) A power-driven vessel underway but stopped and making no way through the water shall sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes two prolonged blasts in succession with an interval of about 2 seconds between them.

 

(c) A vessel not under command, a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver, a vessel constrained by her draught, a sailing vessel, a vessel engaged in fishing and a vessel engaged in towing or pushing another vessel shall, instead of the signals prescribed in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this Rule, sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes three blasts in succession, namely one prolonged followed by two short blasts.

 

(d) A vessel engaged in fishing, when at anchor, and a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver when carrying out her work at anchor, shall instead of the signals prescribed in paragraph (g) of this Rule sound the signal prescribed in paragraph (c) of this Rule.

 

(e) A vessel towed or if more than one vessel is towed the last vessel of the tow, if manned, shall at intervals of not more than 2 minutes sound four blasts in succession, namely one prolonged followed by three short blasts. When practicable, this signal shall be made immediately after the signal made by the towing vessel.

 

(f) When a pushing vessel and a vessel being pushed ahead are rigidly connected in a composite unit they shall be regarded as a power-driven vessel and shall give the signals prescribed in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this Rule.

 

(g) A vessel at anchor shall at intervals of not more than one minute ring the bell rapidly for about 5 seconds. In a vessel of 100 metres or more in length the bell shall be sounded in the forepart of the vessel and immediately after the ringing of the bell the gong shall be sounded rapidly for about 5 seconds in the after part of the vessel. A vessel at anchor may in addition sound three blasts in succession, namely one short, one prolonged and one short blast, to give warning of her position and of the possibility of collision to an approaching vessel.

 

(h) A vessel aground shall give the bell signal and if required the gong signal prescribed in paragraph (g) of this Rule and shall, in addition, give three separate and distinct strokes on the bell immediately before and after the rapid ringing of the bell. A vessel aground may in addition sound an appropriate whistle signal.

 

(i) A vessel of 12 metres or more but less than 20 metres in length shall not be obliged to give the bell signals prescribed in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this Rule. However, if she does not, she shall make some other efficient sound signal at intervals of not more than 2 minutes. 

 

(j) A vessel of less than 12 metres in length shall not be obliged to give the above-mentioned signals but, if she does not, shall make some other efficient sound signal at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.

 

(k) A pilot vessel when engaged on pilotage duty may in addition to the signals prescribed in paragraphs (a),(b) or (g) of this Rule sound an identity signal consisting of four short blasts.

 

Rule 36 - Signals to attract attention

 

If necessary to attract the attention of another vessel any vessel may make light or sound signals that cannot be mistaken for any signal authorised elsewhere in these Rules, or may direct the beam of her searchlight in the direction of the danger, in such a way as not to embarrass any vessel. Any light to attract the attention of another vessel shall be such that it cannot be mistaken for any aid to navigation. For the purpose of this Rule the use of high intensity intermittent or revolving lights, such as strobe lights, shall be avoided.

 

Rule 37 - Distress signals

 

When a vessel is in distress and requires assistance she shall use or exhibit the signals described in Annex IV to these Regulations.

 

 

[XBGuy]

This story does not really address the OP's question, but I love telling it. 

 

In the early 1980s (This was, definitely, another era.) we took our second cruise--a Western Caribbean itinerary out of Fort Lauderdale.  As we pulled away from the dock, we joined other passengers, throwing streamers off the ship--again, a different era.  As the ship was motoring  out the channel we did some exploring.  At the forward portion of the ship we found some stairs that led up.  There was nothing indicating that we could not walk up.  So, we did.  We were on a flying bridge right next to the command bridge.  As we neared the exit of the channel leading to open ocean, the door to the bridge opened and out came a white uniformed officer.  I was a bit nervous expecting to be told that passengers were not allowed.  I was wrong.

 

"Would madame like to blow the horn?"

 

Mrs, XBGuy was pretty stunned, "Me?"

 

He pointed to a button.

 

Mrs. XBGuy is not the most confident person in the world.  She hesitantly pushed the button, and the horn sounded for about a tenth of a second.  The officer,  who I subsequently learned was the captain, covered her hand with his, and together they gave the horn a proper "We're leaving port" blast.

[BeasleysMom66]

3 hours ago, hallux said:

Are you SURE that was an NCL?  NCL doesn't sail from FLL...

 

That should be Royal Carribean.  It was the Symphony of the Seas that was last to depart Saturday.  Celebrity was the Apex.  

 

14 hours ago, capriccio said:

Leaving Port Everglades, the residents of the Point of America condos wave and blow air horns from their balconies.  Some have even invested in cruise line flags and will wave the applicable flag for each ship departing port. 

 

This I did know.  For these residents the horns are definitely not a bother.  I know some gather out on the lawn too.

 

Thanks everyone for the input.  Curiosity satisfied.  I have 39 days to go to my Alaska cruise but may have to suspend watching sail aways as it only makes the time seem longer to departure not shorter.  I needed to win that 1.3 billion dollar lottery, or at least a good chunk of it so I could book a last minute southern sail out of FLL and tell my boss to just deal with it but it didn't work out.