What is the purpose of a vessel's horn?

The purpose of a vessel's horn is to communicate intentions and alert other vessels on the water. This is crucial for maintaining safety and preventing collisions while boating. The horn serves as an acoustic signal that can convey a variety of messages, such as indicating a maneuver like turning or passing, or warning other boats of your presence, especially in reduced visibility conditions. By using the horn appropriately, boat operators can enhance situational awareness and facilitate safe navigation in busy waterways.

Other options, such as signaling the end of the boating day or entertaining passengers, do not align with the primary function of a vessel's horn, which emphasizes safety and communication on the water. Similarly, using the horn to scare off wildlife is not its intended purpose and could disrupt the natural environment. Thus, understanding the correct use of a vessel's horn is a critical component of boating safety.