Fog, anchored or aground, International and Inland
Aground, under 100 meters
A vessel aground.
Three bell strokes, then rapid ringing of the bell, then three bell strokes
Who sounds it
Vessel aground, under 100 meters.
How it's sounded
Three "separate and distinct" strokes before and after the rapid ringing (Rule 35(h)). The rule sets no spacing; 1.2 seconds between strokes is used here. Rapid ringing: about 5 seconds.
At intervals of not more than 1 minute, the interval of the Rule 35(g) bell signal it includes.
A short blast is about 1 second. A prolonged blast is 4 to 6 seconds. Clips use 1 and 5 seconds.
Worth remembering
The anchor bell with three strokes on each side. It may also sound an appropriate whistle signal, but the rule doesn't name one.
More in fog, anchored or aground
- At anchor, under 100 metersInternational and Inlandrapid ringing of the bell
- At anchor, 100 meters or moreInternational and Inlandrapid ringing of the bell, then rapid ringing of the gong
- Anchored vessel's warningInternational and Inlandone short blast, then one prolonged blast, then one short blast
- Aground, 100 meters or moreInternational and Inlandthree bell strokes, then rapid ringing of the bell, then three bell strokes, then rapid ringing of the gong
Study more
See every sound signal, try the free Rules of the Road practice test, or read who gives way, and how Inland differs.
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