Those sound signals

IN RESPONSE to some important points raised regarding sound signals by readers, perhaps some clarification for those unfamiliar with sound signals would be of help, writes Louise Moore of the Roving Canal Traders Association.

We have used most combinations of the following, but have found that most average boaters do not know what they mean, and one would hope that any horn noise would make an approaching boat slow a little to assess the situation in addition to hand signals if close enough to see (which was the point I was trying to get across).

Not to confuse

In fact it is the case that many people use the horn like you would on a car, just as a warning, to gain attention or to order a cup of tea from the galley. So as not to confuse those who have these signals memorised with misdirection, and as a helpful reminder for us all:

1 blast = going to the right
2 blasts = going to the left
3 blasts = I'm trying to stop or go backwards
4 blasts - pause - 1 blast = turning round to the right
4 blasts - pause - 2 blasts = turning round to the left
1 long blast + 2 short blasts = I can't manoeuvre
1 extra long blast = warning at tunnels, blind bends and junctions

Towing sign

In response to John Quinlan we ourselves have a 3ft Towing sign on the front of the boat, but I have had more than one serious comment asking if that was the boat name, which did make us chuckle. So we are doing our part, but narrowboatworld is a good place to share information to help those fellow boaters who may not have come across a towing pair before, and those who may not have been aware that sound signals existed.

Rather than tut and moan that others are doing something wrong without offering information as to why, it is much more helpful to explain and share knowledge gained.