Are you exhausted after being awoken by noisy fog horns in Vancouver this week from shipping containers and vessels sitting at the harbour waiting to get into the port?
Unfortunately, the weather forecast predicts that with more fog expected, another endlessly blaring morning will follow on Wednesday, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.
While they might be annoying, ships are required to lean on the horns per international and Canadian maritime laws, and those apply day or night in restricted visibility, such as fog conditions.
Depending on the length of the vessel and whether or not it’s moving, the captain will need to sound the horn more frequently and at a more steady interval.
“A vessel at anchor shall at intervals of not more than one minute ring the bell rapidly for about five seconds. In a vessel of 100 metres or more in length the bell shall be sounded in the forepart of the vessel and immediately after the ringing of the bell the gong shall be sounded rapidly for about five seconds in the after part of the vessel,” the rules state in part.
A shifting fog unveils a blue sky, captured in a time-lapse from Vancouver today. #Vancouver #nature pic.twitter.com/baugkgIOln
— Natureroo (@NatureROO) December 3, 2024
That means a sound every minute or two minutes in many cases, and with more fog in the forecast for the week, that could be hundreds of horns ahead. However, by midday Wednesday, the fog is expected to lift, and people should hear the calming sounds of seagulls and traffic instead of the boats.
Environment and Climate Change Canada
While it’s annoying for those who live by the water, the fog is also a safety concern on the roads.
“We’ve responded to multiple accident reports caused by thick fog. If you’re driving, please turn on your taillights, reduce your speed, and leave plenty of space between vehicles. Let’s all get home safely!” North Vancouver RCMP said on social media.
We’ve responded to multiple accident reports caused by thick fog. If you’re driving, please turn on your taillights, reduce your speed, and leave plenty of space between vehicles. Let’s all get home safely! pic.twitter.com/GrmHIuzr7T
— North Vancouver RCMP (@nvanrcmp) December 3, 2024
Are you annoyed by the horns? Let us know in the comments.