Proposing a port-to-port pass

Who sounds it

Power-driven vessels in sight of one another, meeting or crossing within half a mile, when maneuvering.

How it's sounded

Worth remembering

Inland signals state an intent and need a reply. On the Great Lakes, Western Rivers and other specified waters, a downbound power vessel with a following current proposes the passage and signals first (Inland Rules 9(a)(ii), 14(d)).

The same sound elsewhere

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

• Altering course to starboardInternationalone short blast
• Agreeing to a port-to-port passInlandone short blast
• Overtaking on the other vessel's starboard sideInlandone short blast
• Agreeing to be overtaken on your starboard sideInlandone short blast

More in meeting and crossing

• Altering course to portInternationaltwo short blasts
• Operating astern propulsionInternational and Inlandthree short blasts
• Proposing a starboard-to-starboard passInlandtwo short blasts
• Agreeing to a starboard-to-starboard passInlandtwo short blasts
• Passing agreed by radioInlandNo set pattern

Study more

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