Fog, anchored or aground, International and Inland
At anchor, under 100 meters
A vessel at anchor.
Rapid ringing of the bell
Who sounds it
Vessel at anchor, under 100 meters.
How it's sounded
"Ring the bell rapidly for about 5 seconds" (Rule 35(g)). The rule sets no strike rate.
At intervals of not more than 1 minute.
A short blast is about 1 second. A prolonged blast is 4 to 6 seconds. Clips use 1 and 5 seconds.
Worth remembering
A bell means anchored or aground, not moving. Under International Rule 35(d), fishing and restricted vessels at anchor use the whistle instead. Inland Rule 35(c) also gives them the whistle signal at anchor.
More in fog, anchored or aground
- 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, under 100 metersInternational and Inlandthree bell strokes, then rapid ringing of the bell, then three bell strokes
- 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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