Yes, you're right you can signal more frequently. In fact, vessels have been held liable
for not doing so.

However, it is not appropriate to signal continuously as you suggest. Remember, the
signal takes about 15 seconds. You have to allow time for other boats to signal back,
and if you're too frequent, no one can hear anything.

Meanwhile, two vessels going at your "safe speed" of 8 knots are closing at 27 feet per
second, or 1600 feet in only 60 seconds.

At the speed you claim is safe (which the courts have held is unsafe for any vessel)
vessel can go from "off in the distance" to in your cockpit in just a minute.



"Simple Simon" wrote in message
...

"Jeff Morris" jeffmo@NoSpam-sv-lokiDOTcom wrote in message
...
Oh, I forgot that English Major thing you have.

Let me explain in simple words: If a sailboat can move 1600 feet between signals, you
have a circle, 3200 feet in diameter, where the boat could be two minutes later. This
is
assuming you could pinpoint its position from the first blast, which is impossible.
And
you're saying that the other boat is somehow required to know where the sailboat is.


More ignorance on display. The fog signal is required at
least every two minutes. It can and should be sounded
at shorter intervals by a prudent mariner. If I heard the
fog signal of a motor vessel approaching, you can bet your
boots I would be sounding my fog signal every ten or fifteen
seconds to wake them up if nothing else.