What is the primary purpose of using a fog horn?

The primary purpose of using a fog horn is to prevent collisions. Fog horns are essential safety equipment used on vessels, especially in conditions of reduced visibility such as fog, rain, or snow. The sound produced by a fog horn alerts nearby vessels to the presence of your ship, thereby helping to maintain a safe distance and avoid potential accidents.

While signaling distress or indicating vessel movement can be important functions in specific situations, the primary role of a fog horn is fundamentally tied to collision avoidance. It effectively communicates the position of a vessel to others in the area, thereby contributing significantly to navigational safety in poor visibility conditions.