Connecticut Safe Boating Practice Test

What is the fog signal for a sailboat?

1. One short and one prolonged blast

2. One prolonged blast plus two short blasts

3. One short blast at intervals of five minutes

4. Three short blasts

The correct answer is: One prolonged blast plus two short blasts

The fog signal for a sailboat is one prolonged blast plus two short blasts. This specific signal is important as it helps to indicate the presence of a sailing vessel in low visibility conditions, such as fog, which can significantly reduce the ability of other boaters to see and hear other vessels nearby. Using this signal means that the sailor is adhering to maritime rules designed to enhance safety on the water. It's particularly crucial for ensuring that other vessels are aware of the sailboat's presence, facilitating safer navigation and reducing the risk of collisions. The use of a prolonged blast followed by two short blasts is universally recognized among mariners, making it an effective form of communication in challenging conditions. Other signals, while important in their own contexts, do not correctly represent the recognized communication for sailboats during fog, emphasizing the importance of knowing and using the proper signals for safety.