Everyone is so friendly in Bermuda that many times we use horns more as a greeting than anything else. However, if you own a boat you should be aware of the marine signals denoted by the blast or blasts of a horn.

Sound signals are required in many countries and they can add a great deal to the safety of the vessel that uses them correctly. There are only five signals you need to know according to Chapman's Nautical Guide they are as follows: Danger signal is the most important and that is five or more short blasts on the horn. It means "Stop your intentions!'' or "Danger ahead!'' It is sounded when one skipper decides another skipper's actions are dangerous. If you hear five blasts on the horns, slow down immediately and check what is happening. You may be about to hit a reef or your boat may be on fire.

Three blasts on the horn indicates "My engine is in reverse.'' You should do this when you are backing up in your boat, particularly at the boat slip. In the harbour it may also me you are reversing or you are stopping suddenly.

Two short blasts on the horn means, "I intend to leave you on my starboard side.

One short blast on the horn means "I intend to pass you on your port side or I am altering course to starboard,'' which is the same thing. Boats usually pass port side to port side when they meet head on.

One long blast of the horn should be sounded by a vessel entering a channel from a berth to alert other vessels of her action. A vessel entering a channel has no right-of way, just as cars must yield to cars already proceeding on a main highway.

If you are ever caught in a fog the basic signal given is one long blast about every two minutes when under way.

A vessel being towed is the sound of one long blast then three short blasts right after the towing vessel sounds her signal of one long and two short blasts.

For sailboats with their engines turned off, sound signals are not used between two approaching boats under sail. Sailboats have the right-of way over boats under power that are not engaged in fishing and are not limited in their maneuverability. Sailboats with their engines on are considered powerboats under the rules.

All kinds of boats: In St. George's Harbour there are big boats, little boats, lavish boats, replica boats and simple boats. Here, the cruise ship Norwegian Majesty frames the replica of the Deliverance and a fishing boat.

SAILING SLG