What sound signal indicates that a vessel is turning to starboard?

The sound signal that indicates a vessel is turning to starboard is one short blast. According to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), vessels use specific sound signals to communicate their intentions to others on the water. One short blast serves the purpose of signaling that a vessel is altering its course to starboard (right side).

Understanding these sound signals is crucial for safe navigation and communication on the water, as they help to prevent collisions and ensure that vessels can respond appropriately to each other’s movements. The other signals, such as two short blasts, three short blasts, or one long blast, have different meanings and purposes. Two short blasts typically indicate that a vessel is turning to port (left side), three short blasts are used to signal a vessel’s intention to go astern, and one long blast is often used in a narrow channel or when approaching blind bends to indicate the presence of a vessel.