What does one short blast of a horn signify in boating communication?

In boating communication, one short blast of a horn signifies the intention to leave another vessel on your port side. This auditory signal is a part of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), which provides guidelines for safe navigation and communication between vessels to prevent collisions.

When a vessel uses this signal, it is effectively informing nearby vessels of its intended course of action, ensuring that others are aware of how to navigate safely in proximity. Understanding these signals is crucial for maintaining safety on the water, as miscommunication can lead to dangerous situations. Therefore, the correct interpretation of a short blast is tied directly to the maneuvers vessels must make to avoid potential collisions.