Letter – Ship's horn part of its safety equipment

So Michael Friedman (letters July/August) might be interested to know that a ship's horn is part of its safety equipment since, at sea, the number of times it is blown indicates actions the ship is about to take e.g. One blast to indicate the ship is turning to port, two to starboard and three, "My engines are going astern". So before leaving port the horn has to be tested. Another reason is that in some jurisdictions a boat drill must be conducted before sailing and the horn is used to summon everyone. A single blast is also a convenient way of letting everyone know the ship is about to depart. The Coho ferry does the latter all the time and also sends what is essentially "I am arriving" call to the people on the dock as she approaches so they will be ready to take the lines.

Next, and while this will be of absolutely no consolation to your other noise complaining writer Alan McQueen, it is worth noting that the moment most ships are securely docked for a long period of time their engines are immediately turned off because there is no longer a need for propulsion. So what he is actually hearing are the ship's generators that produce electricity so that everyone can see their way safely around the vessel etc. so turning them off is not an option.

Bill Ellis