Drawbridges, Inland

Requesting opening during a scheduled closure

Please open the draw during its closure period.

Five short blasts

Press play. One signal at a time.

Requesting opening during a scheduled closureInland
Please open the draw during its closure period.
33 CFR 117.15(b)(3), (a)(1)

Who sounds it

Vessel required to be passed through a draw during a scheduled closure period.

How it's sounded

"Five short blasts sounded in rapid succession." Short: approximately 1 second. 0.4 second gaps are used here.

Repeated until acknowledged in some manner by the drawtender.

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

Worth remembering

Same sound as the danger signal, used here only for vessels that must be passed through a scheduled closure.

The same sound elsewhere

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

Study more

See every sound signal, try the free Rules of the Road practice test, or read who gives way, and how Inland differs.

Learn the whole set

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Sources

33 CFR 117.15(b)(3), (a)(1)

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.