Why a power vessel making way does not need a sound signal under COLREGs

Have you ever watched a vessel glide past a harbor channel and wondered what signals, if any, it should give off as it makes way? It’s a little paradox that trips people up: a power-driven vessel that’s moving forward doesn’t need to blare a horn or clang a bell just to say, “I’m on my way.” The Rules of the Road—the COLREGs—lay out a practical, sometimes counterintuitive framework for signaling. Getting the nuances right isn’t about drama; it’s about safety, clarity, and avoiding that split-second misunderstanding on busy water.

The quick answer: no sound signal is required for a power vessel that is making way

Here’s the thing. If a vessel is underway and moving through the water—what mariners call “making way”—the COLREGs don’t require it to emit a sound signal just to confirm its movement. In other words, a moving power vessel doesn’t have to ring a bell, blast a horn, or flash a particular whistle when it’s simply traveling. The act of moving itself communicates some basic information: the vessel is not anchored, not dead in the water, and not restricted to maneuvering due to a disabled prop or steerage.

That said, there are plenty of situations where signals do come into play. Signals are a language that helps vessels interpret intent, status, and potential changes in behavior. When the waterway is crowded, or when a vessel’s position might be uncertain, signaling can prevent collisions and confusion. So while “no signal” is correct for a power vessel making way, the other options you might see in a test question point to very real, specific circumstances.

What the other options actually imply (in real life terms)

Let’s walk through the alternatives you mentioned and connect them to the rules. It helps to think of signals as a toolkit for particular situations, not a blanket instruction for every moment on the water.

• B. Fast ringing of the bell for five seconds

This kind of bell signal is tied to specific scenarios and is not the default for a moving power vessel. In practice, bells are most often associated with vessels that are restricted in their ability to maneuver or with situations where the other vessel needs to be aware of a limited capability—think of a vessel short-handed or dealing with tow lines or engine trouble. If you hear a bell signal, it’s a cue to look for what the other vessel is communicating about its status or maneuvering restrictions.

• C. Continuous loud horn blast

A continuous horn blast isn’t a generic “I’m moving” signal. It’s reserved for particular circumstances called out in the COLREGs. Large, persistent blasts can indicate urgency or a specific maneuver being undertaken, such as a vessel warning others or signaling a defensive action in a tight channel. It’s a reminder that horns carry meaning, and that meaning is tied to intent, not just attention-grabbing volume.

• D. One long and two short bell sounds

That specific pattern sits squarely in the realm of defined signaling for certain maneuvers or statuses noted in the regulations. It isn’t a blanket signal for any ordinary underway vessel. If you hear “one long, two short” on a bell, you should be ready to interpret a precise intention or constraint as defined by the rules. It’s a cue to check the situation and adjust your own course or timing accordingly.

The big takeaway is simple: signals exist to convey particular states, not to “advertise” every move. A vessel that is simply making way does so without needing to sound off. Now, why is that? Because the water is dynamic, and reliable signals should minimize clutter. If every moving vessel blared something just to announce its progress, the air would be full of noise, and true warnings could get lost in the din.

How signals fit into everyday navigation

For someone out on the water, the absence of a signal from a moving power vessel is part of a broader pattern. Rules about sound and light signals are designed to reduce uncertainty in busy waters, clarify who has the right of way, and help everyone predict what’s about to happen next.

• Underway and making way: No signal required to indicate basic movement. You’re expected to keep a lookout, monitor your own speed and bearing, and stay ready to adjust if another vessel’s movement changes.

• Anchored or not under command: This is where bells and other signals come into play. If a vessel is anchored, or if it’s restricted in its ability to maneuver, signals help nearby mariners gauge its intended behavior and respond safely.

• Specific maneuvers: When a vessel intends to overtake, cross, or pass another, or when it changes course in restricted waters, certain horn or bell signals are prescribed. Those signals act like conversational cues in a crowded harbor, letting others anticipate your actions.

If you’re new to this, think of signals as the maritime equivalent of turn signals on a car. You don’t need to signal every time you drive down the street, but there are moments—like changing lanes, turning at an intersection, or stopping on a hill—when signaling communicates crucial intent to others around you.

Why understanding signals matters in the real world

The point isn’t to memorize a bunch of trivia; it’s about safety and smooth operation in places where vessels share narrow channels, locks, and busy harbors. A few seconds of confusion can escalate into a close-quarters incident. The COLREGs’ signaling framework helps skippers, crews, and even casual observers (think charter guests or recreational boaters) know what to expect.

• Clarity in crowded waterways: In channels, the pace is quick, and attention is split among traffic, currents, weather, and equipment. Clear signals reduce guesswork.

• Predictable behavior: If you understand what a given signal means, you can anticipate what another vessel plans to do next. That anticipation is what prevents collisions.

• Confidence for crews: When everyone knows the language, the risk of miscommunication diminishes. It’s not about signaling for the sake of signaling; it’s about meaningful, timely information.

Practical tips for interpreting signals on the water

• Look, listen, and read the situation: Signals aren’t the whole story. They supplement what you can see and hear. Combine the signal with your own lookout observations—speed, bearing, proximity, and the vessel’s wake.

• Consider the context: A signal that would make sense on a crowded harbor approach might be unnecessary on an open lake. The waterway, traffic density, and weather all shape the meaning.

• Expect flexibility: Rules give a framework, not a script. Real-world signaling can vary with local practice, vessel type, and operational constraints. Use your best judgment, then validate with nearby traffic when possible.

• Use technology as a support, not a substitute: AIS data, VHF radio communications, and radar can help confirm intentions and reduce ambiguity. But signals remain the human-to-human (or vessel-to-vessel) language of the water.

A practical mental model you can carry

Think of signal rules like this: not every moving vessel needs to shout, but every vessel should be ready to listen when someone does. The moving power vessel signals, when needed, are deliberate and situational. The moments you don’t hear a signal are often precisely those moments when you must rely on basic seamanship—keeping a steady course, maintaining a safe distance, and watching for other boats that might not be signaling as clearly as you’d like.

If you’re curious to dive deeper, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and national maritime authorities provide official explanations of sound and light signals. They’re the kind of resources you keep handy whether you’re piloting a small runabout or planning larger operations. A good handbook or guide aligned with COLREGs can become your reliable reference—one you reach for when you’re navigating unfamiliar waters or working through a tricky traffic pattern.

A few more tangents you might enjoy

• Harbor etiquette isn’t just about rules; it’s about courtesy. In busy ports, a calm, predictable demeanor helps everyone share the space. If one vessel slows a touch to let another pass, it isn’t merely a courtesy—it reduces risk and keeps the flow steady.

• Weather adds its own layer of signaling. Light rain, fog, or choppy seas can mask certain cues. In those moments, more deliberate planning, slower speeds, and increased listening become essential.

• The human factor matters. Even in a highly regulated environment, decisions still come down to crews reading the room—watchkeeping, communication with deckhands, and quick, calm judgment when something doesn’t look right.

Bottom line: signaling is nuanced, not magical

For the test question you’ve been considering, the correct takeaway is straightforward: a power vessel that is making way does not require a sound signal. The other options represent signals tied to specific situations, not a universal “in every case” cue. Keeping that distinction clear helps you navigate the Rules of the Road with confidence and reduces the chance of misinterpretation in the heat of a crossing or harbor maneuver.

If you’re ever unsure, remember this simple checklist: is the vessel anchored or restricted? Is there a maneuver underway that would trigger a specific signal? Is the situation crowded or clear? By answering these questions in your head as you observe, you’ll build a practical sense for when signals matter and when silence is perfectly appropriate.

So next time you’re out on the water—whether it’s a calm morning along a inlet or a busy transit through a harbor—you’ll approach each encounter with a steady mind. You’ll know that a moving power vessel doesn’t owe you a bell or a horn to prove it’s making way. And you’ll recognize the signals that do carry meaning, using them to stay safe, stay aware, and keep the voyage smooth for everyone aboard.