How many prolonged blasts are required to signal that a vessel is leaving its berth?

To signal that a vessel is leaving its berth, the protocol established by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) specifies that three prolonged blasts of a whistle are required. This signal is used to communicate the vessel's intentions to nearby vessels and to ensure safety in busy waterways. The three blasts serve as a clear and standardized way for vessels to indicate that they are about to depart from their mooring position, alerting other traffic of their actions in order to avoid potential collisions or misunderstandings.

This signaling practice is important for maintaining an orderly flow of maritime traffic, and it enhances safety by providing a clear, audible warning to those in the vicinity. Recognizing the requirement for three long blasts is essential for mariners to follow established navigational protocols and ensure compliance with the Rules of the Road.