Five Short Blasts Communicate That a Power Vessel Is Stopped Under COLREGs

Opening the right signal on the water is like using a well-timed wink in a crowded harbor. You’re navigating a busy space where ships, ferries, sailboats, and even recreational craft share the same few miles of water. That’s where the rules of the road—the COLREGs—become less about theory and more about clear, everyday communication. When a power vessel is stopped, there’s a specific sound signal designed to cut through the noise and tell other mariners exactly what’s happening. The answer is five short blasts.

Five short blasts: what it means and why it matters

If you hear five quick bursts from a power-driven vessel that’s not moving, that sound is speaking for the vessel itself. It’s a concise way of saying, “I’m stopped and I’m not making way.” The five short blasts are a warning, a way to grab attention, and a signal that the vessel isn’t about to start moving on its own without notice. In a straitened, busy channel, that cue can prevent confusing situations where two boats might otherwise drift into one another’s paths.

How this signal stacks up against the others

To really grasp why five short blasts matter, it helps to know what the other common signals mean. It’s not just trivia—these cues are daily tools for keeping traffic predictable.

• One prolonged blast: In many contexts, this indicates an intention to leave the harbor or a signal related to maneuvering in restricted visibility. It’s a different flavor of alert—longer, carrying farther, and generally signaling a deliberate action rather than a current state like “I’m stopped.”

• Three bell claps followed by a whistle: This is the anchor signal. When a vessel is at anchor, the bell sequence combined with a distinctive whistle helps nearby boats understand that the vessel is anchored and not under way. It communicates presence and position more than motion.

• No signal at all: In some moments, you might not hear a signal—but that doesn’t mean silence is the norm. The rules speak to many situations, and a stopped power vessel isn’t the default case for no signal. The five short blasts exist precisely to remove ambiguity when a vessel is stationary.

What this looks like in real life

Picture a narrow channel with a tangle of traffic—the kind of stretch where a single misread can cause ripple effects. A power vessel drops speed, floaters drift by, and you’re left wondering: is that ship just pausing, or are they about to drift into anchor mode? The five short blasts resolve that moment with clarity. It’s not dramatic, but it’s essential. It’s the sort of signal that, if you’re at the helm, you listen for and you take seriously.

If you’re observing from a distance, you might notice that signals aren’t just about the moment. They’re about the intent behind the actions you’re witnessing. A five-short-blast cue tells you to expect a vessel that’s not moving, not planning to move, and that you should maintain a cautious approach until the situation becomes clearer. It’s a small burst of information that reduces risk and helps everyone share the same mental map of the traffic around them.

Practical tips for recognizing and reacting

• Listen actively. In busy waters, you’ll hear a pattern long before you see the vessel. Five short blasts are brisk, staccato, and unmistakable once you know what you’re listening for.

• Don’t assume motion. If you hear five shorts, expect that the vessel may stay stopped for a bit. Give it space, especially in narrow channels or near crossing traffic.

• Cross-check with other cues. Look for related indicators—position of the vessel, wind, current, and nearby traffic. Signals are part of a larger communication system that includes radio calls and VHF channels in many harbors.

• Use communication tools when needed. If there’s any doubt about what you’re seeing, a quick VHF radio exchange (on the appropriate channel) can clear things up. It’s not a sign of weakness to ask for confirmation—it’s smart seamanship.

• Practice mental modeling. In calm moments, imagine the traffic patterns around you as a short, practical script. If a vessel is stopped and signaling five short blasts, how does that change your approach, your speed, and your distance? Building that quick mental model helps you respond calmly when the moment arrives.

A touch of life at sea: why signals matter beyond the rulebook

Sound signals aren’t just dry regulations. They’re a language built from years of navigation, near-misses, and careful boat handling. When a vessel is stopped and signaling five short blasts, you’re witnessing a compact message: “I’m here, I’m not moving, and I’m asking others to acknowledge that fact.” The same language applies when you’re anchored in a quiet inlet after a long day of weather watching or when you’re maneuvering through a busy port. The rules exist to make the water safer, and signals are the punctuation that keeps the conversation clear.

A quick mental model you can take to heart

• If a vessel is making way, you’ll hear other patterns (short, long, or a mix) that reflect the action of moving or starting to move.

• If a vessel is stopped and not making way, expect a five short blasts. It’s a stop sign in sound form.

• If a vessel is anchored, three bell claps followed by a whistle tells you where they sit and that they’re not moving.

• If you’re unsure, it’s perfectly reasonable to seek clarification via radio. It’s all about reducing surprises.

A few tangents that still relate to safety and awareness

You don’t have to be a veteran mariner to appreciate how critical clear signaling is. Even in a small harbor with kayaks and dinghies zipping around, sound signals help everyone stay predictable. And if you’ve ever been in a foggy morning channel where visibility is low, you’ve felt how a clear, established signaling system makes all the difference. It’s not just about who has the right of way; it’s about preventing collisions before they happen, with a shared code everyone understands.

There’s also an etiquette to listening. On the water, you’ll hear pitches of sound signals—some longer, some shorter—carried by wind and distance. Part of being a good mariner is recognizing the pattern and knowing what action to take. That instinct grows with time, much like recognizing a friend by their voice in a crowded room.

A short recap for clarity

• Five short blasts = a power vessel that is stopped and not making way. It’s a warning and a clear signal to others.

• One prolonged blast = associated with leaving harbor or signaling in restricted visibility.

• Three bell claps followed by a whistle = vessel at anchor.

• No signal = not a universal rule; many situations call for some form of signaling to communicate intent or status.

Why it all matters to you

If you’re navigating, whether for work or leisure, these signals are a practical toolkit. They reduce guesswork, prevent misunderstandings, and make the water safer for everyone who uses it. The five short blasts aren’t flashy; they’re essential. They’re a small, precise cue that can keep your crew, passengers, or fellow mariners out of trouble. And honestly, isn’t that what good seamanship is all about—quiet competence that keeps people safe while you’re drawn across long horizons and bright horizons alike?

Final thought

The next time you’re on the water and you hear a burst of five quick taps, take it as a gentle reminder from the sea: a vessel is at rest, but the conversation isn’t over. Other boats are listening too. If you’re in the vicinity, slow down, give space, and read the flow of signals as they come. That kind of attentiveness is what makes seafaring both an art and a responsibility—and it’s exactly why the COLREGs exist in the first place. Five short blasts aren’t just a rule; they’re a shared language that every mariner uses to keep the water safer, friendlier, and a little less chaotic.