Bart wrote:
Capt. JG wrote:.

8 or 5? I believe 5 is what signals a danger alarm.

5 or more short blasts is what the rules state.

Rule 34:
When vessels in sight of one another are approaching each
other and from any cause either vessel fails to understand
the intentions or actions of the other, or is in doubt whether
sufficient action is being taken by the other to avoid collision,
the vessel in doubt shall immediately indicate such doubt by
giving at least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle.
[Such / This] signal may be supplemented by at least five short
and rapid flashes.

More is better right? Never use a fly swatter if you have
a nuke.

Oh, absolutely. Honk your horn like a madman, shoot off all your
flairs, deploy all your lifesaving equipment, and raise the coast guard
on the radio. Far more fun than just anticipating the situation 30
seconds earlier and calmly heading up above the motoring sailboat.

I mean, you've spent all that money on all that safety gear, right?
Well, dammit, use it forcrissakes.

//Walt