Drawbridges, Inland

Bridge answer: will open

The draw can be opened immediately.

One prolonged blast, then one short blast

Press play. One signal at a time.

  1. Bridge answer: will openInland

    The draw can be opened immediately.

    33 CFR 117.15(b)(4)

Who sounds it

Drawtender.

How it's sounded

"One prolonged blast followed by one short blast sounded not more than 30 seconds after the requesting signal." The rule sets no gap inside this signal; 1 second is used here.

A short blast is about 1 second. A prolonged blast is 4 to 6 seconds. Clips use 1 and 5 seconds.

Worth remembering

The answer is one prolonged and one short, the same sound as the normal request. It's the answer even if you asked with five short blasts during a closure period.

The same sound elsewhere

These use the same pattern, so the rules you’re under and the situation decide what it means.

More in drawbridges

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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Sources

Helm is an independent study aid, not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Coast Guard or the National Maritime Center. This page is for study, not navigation guidance or legal advice. Check the current rules before you rely on anything here.