Wash. Admin. Code § 352-66-170 - Sound signals
(1) Often sound
signals are located on or adjacent to aids to navigation. When visual signals
are obscured, sound signals warn mariners of the proximity of danger.
(a) Sound signals are distinguished by their
tone and phase characteristics.
(b)
Tones are determined by the devices producing the sound (i.e., diaphones,
diaphragm horns, reed horns, sirens, whistles, bells, and gongs).
(c) Phase characteristics are defined by the
signal's sound pattern, i.e., the number of blasts and silent periods per
minute and their durations.
(2) Where no live watch is maintained, sound
signals are normally operated continuously. Mariners should not rely solely on
sound signals to determine their positions for the following reasons:
(a) Distance cannot be accurately determined
by sound intensity.
(b)
Occasionally sound signals may not be heard in areas close to their
location.
(c) As previously noted,
buoy positions are not always reliable. Therefore, their sound signals cannot
be assumed to be emanating from a fixed position.
Notes
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