What is the purpose of a horn on a boat?

The purpose of a horn on a boat, primarily in the context of maritime operations, is to communicate in low visibility conditions. When visibility is reduced due to fog, rain, or other weather conditions, sound signals become an essential tool for ensuring safety. The use of a horn allows boat operators to signal their presence and intentions to other vessels nearby, helping to avoid collisions and enhancing overall navigational safety. These auditory signals are part of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), which outline specific sound signals that should be used in various scenarios to prevent accidents when visual communication is hindered.

In contrast, using a horn to alert passengers to a storm does not align with its primary safety function, as it is not a reliable means of communication for weather conditions. While a horn can serve as a navigational aid in terms of awareness, it is specifically intended for communication rather than navigation per se. Additionally, signaling the start of a race is a different context, often involving other means of communication and is not the primary purpose of a boat's horn.