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Anyone know the signals to open a draw bridge?

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Topic author United States of America
Seif911
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Anyone know the signals to open a draw bridge?

Postby Seif911 » April 6th, 2014, 9:43 am

Morn' All,

So it seems like this should have an easy answer but I am conflicted. I called the city, and the guy in charge of the workers thought it MIGHT BE 3 short blasts of the horn. I looked do at a iPad app and it states that the Coast Guard rules state, '3 long, 4-6 seconds, blasts, and 1 short, 1 second, blast'. Thoughts?

I changed my dock location to up river to save myself 75% of my dock costs! but now I have the bridge to deal with :(

Thanks,

Steve
Thanks,
Steve

22' Godfrey Hurricane Fun Deck, Fiberglass hull, 175 HP, Deck boat
24' Chrysler Cruiseliner III (Lonestar), 120 HP, Aluminum Hull, Cabin, 1968
33' Carver Mariner, fiberglass hull, 520 HP, Yacht, 1977

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United States of America
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Re: Anyone know the signals to open a draw bridge?

Postby CYO Admin » April 6th, 2014, 10:59 am

As you approach the bridge there should be a blue sign with what looks like a telephone receiver with a lightning bolt through it. This will give you the radio frequencies that the bridge monitors (usually 16 and 13 or 9). It is customary, at least in most areas, to contact the bridge tender by VHF radio to request an opening, however, there is a sound signal that can be used.

The sound signal to contact the bridge is one prolonged blast followed within 3 seconds with one short blast. The bridge tender will acknowledge an OK with the same signal. If there is a problem in opening at that time the bridge tender will answer with a "NO" by sounding five short blasts. You acknowledge your understanding of the "NO" by responding with five short blasts.
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Topic author United States of America
Seif911
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Vessel Info: 1977 Carver Mariner 33'
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Re: Anyone know the signals to open a draw bridge?

Postby Seif911 » April 6th, 2014, 11:21 am

I will have to go down and take a look. I wish the boat was not as high so I could just avoid it all together.
Thanks,
Steve

22' Godfrey Hurricane Fun Deck, Fiberglass hull, 175 HP, Deck boat
24' Chrysler Cruiseliner III (Lonestar), 120 HP, Aluminum Hull, Cabin, 1968
33' Carver Mariner, fiberglass hull, 520 HP, Yacht, 1977
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Re: Anyone know the signals to open a draw bridge?

Postby ScubaPete » October 1st, 2014, 9:59 pm

Just join Active Captain. As you're cruising, you can see every bridge on your chart. The details section of each bridge lists the vertical clearance, the opening restrictions, and most have a phone number. I used to hail bridges on VHF channel 13, but now call them directly.
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Re: Anyone know the signals to open a draw bridge?

Postby waybomb » October 2nd, 2014, 12:15 pm

Seems there are different ways for different areas. Here in St Joe, there are two bridges, Blossomland and BiCentenial. One will open every half hour on the 12 and 6, the other every half hour on the 3 and 9. If no boats are present, it won't open.

To alert the bridge master you are waiting, one blast of the horn is all it takes.
He does not acknowledge your blast.
Thanks
Fred
1969 Glaspar Avalon /1969 Johnson Electromatic 85
1987 Carver Mariner
1988 Cougar Kevlar 46' with triple blown 572 ci
1995 Boston Whaler Rage
Past - 1988 2807, 1989 4207 Aft
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Re: Anyone know the signals to open a draw bridge?

Postby Lyndon670 » October 2nd, 2014, 1:23 pm

The same is true here. Technically, its one long blast followed by 2 short blasts - but it has devolved to one short blast. The 5 short blasts that CYO is referring to is bizarre, as that also refers to a vessel with no directional ability - not in control.
Lyndon,
2000 Carver 506
FOXY JOE
Volvo 7.4TAMD
Queens Cove Marina
Georgian Bay, Ontario

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