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Here’s What The Horns Sounding on a Cruise Ship Mean

You’re on your cruise ship. The entire week is ahead of you. You’re excited about the exotic ports of call, the food, the shows… and yes, the time off from email and the cell phone. You have a drink in your hand. You’re in paradise.

And then… HOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNKKKKKK. HOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNKKKKKK.

The ship’s horn sounds loudly. It’s enough to scare you half to death.

While the horns on a cruise ship may surprise you, they are an extremely important aspect of sailing. The ship’s horns harken back to a day before radios and loudspeakers.

They serve as communication with other boats in the area, telling them what the cruise ship is planning to do. Without the horn signals, the risk of a collision would be much greater.

So what do they mean?

As you would guess, different horns have different meanings. We’ve broken down the horn signals with what they mean below.

Inland Waters (Near Port)

One short blast = Changing course to starboard (right) Two short blasts = Changing course to port (left) Three short blasts = Operating in reverse Five short blasts = Danger signal Two long blasts = Leaving berth

Open International Waters

One short blast = Passing on ship’s port side Two short blasts = Passing on ship’s starboard side Three short blasts = Operating in reverse Five short blasts = Danger signal

In addition, ships will also sound their horns for other reasons; most notably in low visibility. This will usually involved regular bursts of sound to let other ships in the area know that the cruise ship is there.

And when a cruise ship makes the sound heard below? Well, that’s just them blowing off a little steam and having some fun.

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After one prolonged blast, the boater alerts nearby vessels that it is leaving the slip or dock.

A general emergency alarm is indicated by these seven short and one long blasts of the ship’s horn. The crew may have to leave the ship due to an onboard fire, a grounding, a collision, or other circumstances. In some cases, the crew can hear the ship’s bells or whistles.

It’s 5:59 am and ships are coming in to port when all of a sudden we hear 5 blast????

Danger I do not understand your intentions

Would you happen to know what one VERY long blast means?

I just heard a cruise ship give seven short blast and one long blast… it is at the dock and is departing. Any ideas what this might mean? I have never heard this before, and I live right near the cruise ship terminal.

That’s the emergency signal that’s given during the safety muster drill.

Cool! Thank you!

Did the 1920’s transatlantic passenger ships, prior to leaving, have a signal ‘to get on board.’

I’m not sure.

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What Do Cruise Ship Horn Signal Blasts Mean?

One of the first things you'll notice when cruising is that cruise ships have a VERY loud horn that while it could be used like your car's horn - actually has a more sophisticated use. While you might just blast your car's horn at a driver that cuts you off, or tap it to let someone know they can go, cruise ships have an internationally recognized set of horn signals that lets everyone around them know exactly what's going on.

When Were The Cruise Ship Horn Signals Established?

In fact, signal horns aren't isn't just for cruise ships. They were codified in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea in 1972 and apply to all maritime vessels. In the United States, a similar act was passed in 1980 called the Inland Navigation Rules Act and is a federal statute approved by Congress. However, they were based on earlier conventions and maritime law as practices by the United States and England starting in the mid-19th century. I'm not going to get into more detail about the legal details of these rules regulating horn signals since there are so many vessels out there. Suffice to say, every modern cruise ship adheres to the same simple regulations around signals, regardless of whether they are cruising to Mexico, Canada, or California along the west coast, or an expedition to Antarctica. 

What Do Cruise Ship Horn Signals Mean?

There are six different signal horn blast patterns that you will hear on a cruise ship, though the sixth one I hope you will never hear!

One Short Blast - This signal means that your cruise ship intends to pass on it's port side. In inland waters near the port or harbor, this also indicates the cruise ship is changing course to starboard.

One Long Blast - This signal lasting 4-6 seconds means that your ship is leaving the dock. It is a notice to all others around it to be aware that the ship is moving.

Two Short Blasts - Similar to One Short Blast meaning that your ship is passing on the port side, two short blasts means your ship will be passing another on it's starbord side. When in inland waters, this signal horn also means that the ship is changing course to port.

Three Short Blasts - This signal blast means that the ship is backing away from the dock.

One Long Blast Followed by Three Short Blasts - This is actually a combination of two signals horn blasts, letting those around you know that your cruise ship is underway and backing away from the dock.

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Five Short Blasts - DANGER! This is a horn signal that you hope to never hear when on a cruise. Regardless of which vessel you are on, this is never a signal blast pattern that you want to hear. Unfortunately, cruise ships are massive vessels and navigation at sea is often an imprecise practice that puts even the best pilot and captain at the mercy of strong and unpredictable winds and currents.

There's also one more signal that very few people will ever hear outside of a drill ...

Seven Short Horn Blasts followed by One Long Blast -  This horn signal indicates a general emergency and will also be accompanied by alarms and visual indicators depending on the ship you are sailing on. 

Cruise Ship Horns Can Be Just For Fun Too!

While cruise ships carry powerful signal horns to ensure safety and communicate with other vessels and structures around them in the harbor, sometimes the horns are used for fun too. No cruise line does this more frequently and with as great sophistication as Disney Cruise Line, though it is not uncommon to hear music produced by the horns on MSC and Cunard ships too.

So now you know what cruise ship horn signals mean and when to expect them. Be careful though if you are on the upper decks during sailaway since forward viewing areas on the upper decks of some ships can be uncomfortablly close to the signal horns. If that's where you find yourself, be prepared to cover your ears!

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Why Cruise Ships Blow Their Horns: Signals, Safety, And Fun!

As a veteran cruiser, I’ve always been curious about why cruise ships blow their horns. I knew that the horns served a practical purpose, but I was also aware that they were used for more playful activities, like horn battles and musical performances. So, I decided to do some research and learn more about the various signals, safety uses, and fun aspects of cruise ship horns.

As it turns out, there’s a lot more to cruise ship horns than meets the eye. These horns play a crucial role in communication, navigation, and safety at sea. From warning other vessels of their presence to signaling their intentions to dock, cruise ship horns are an essential tool for navigating the waters.

But they’re also used for more lighthearted activities, like entertaining passengers and engaging in friendly competitions with other ships. In this article, we’ll explore the different meanings behind cruise ship horns and delve into the fun side of these musical instruments.

So, whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a curious landlubber, read on to discover the fascinating world of cruise ship horns!

• Cruise ship horns serve multiple functions, including communication with other vessels, navigation signals, warnings, and fog alerts.
• Different horn signals have different meanings and can be combined to convey multiple messages, including emergency alerts and information about the ship’s heading.
• Horn battles are a fun way for two cruise ships to communicate with each other, and Disney Cruise Line is known for having the most musical horns and impressive battles.
• Passengers should be aware of the loudness of cruise ship horns and cover small children’s ears when they sound. It’s also important to understand the various horn signals and their meanings for safety reasons.

Why Cruise Ships Blow Their Horns

I’ve learned that cruise ship horns serve many purposes, such as communicating with other vessels and warning passengers of imminent danger. However, one specific example of why horns are used is to reduce the risk of collision by indicating the ship’s direction.

This is especially important in crowded waterways like the Panama Canal, where multiple vessels are navigating at the same time. The horn’s sound can travel for miles and is a crucial tool for navigation communication.

The design of the horn also plays a significant role in its effectiveness. Cruise ship horns are designed to produce a loud and clear sound that can be heard up to two nautical miles away in foggy conditions. This is important for safety reasons, as it allows other vessels to determine the location and direction of the ship.

The number and placement of horns on a cruise ship will vary depending on the ship’s design, but they are an essential tool for safe navigation at sea.

Different Horn Signals

Understanding the meanings of various horn signals is crucial for any maritime traveler. It’s not just about being able to impress fellow passengers with your knowledge, it’s about safety and etiquette. Different signals are used to convey different messages, and it’s important to know what each one means in order to avoid collisions and other potential dangers.

Here’s a table that outlines some common horn signals and their meanings:

Knowing these signals and using them appropriately is essential for safe maritime travel. It’s also important to remember horn etiquette – don’t use your horn unnecessarily, and never use it to intimidate or show off. By following these guidelines, we can all enjoy a safe and respectful journey on the high seas.

Safety and Emergency Uses

In case of an emergency, it’s important to know the different horn signals used in maritime travel to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew.

Cruise ships have specific communication protocols to convey different types of emergency situations. The ship’s horn is used to warn passengers of imminent danger, such as a fire or a collision with another vessel. The signal for this emergency is seven short blasts followed by one long blast. This signal means that all passengers should assemble at their designated muster stations for evacuation procedures.

In addition to the emergency signal, cruise ships also use the horn to communicate other important safety information. For example, the signal for a man overboard is three long blasts, which means the crew should immediately begin search and rescue operations.

It’s important for passengers to pay attention to these signals and follow all safety instructions provided by the crew in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable cruise experience.

Horn Battles and Fun Activities

It’s always amusing to witness two massive vessels engaging in a musical competition on the open sea, don’t you think? Horn battles have become increasingly popular among cruise lines as a way to create a fun and friendly atmosphere onboard.

However, there is a certain etiquette that needs to be followed to ensure that the competition remains safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.

First and foremost, horn battles should only be done in open waters and away from other vessels. Cruise ships are massive and powerful, so it’s important to ensure that they don’t accidentally collide with each other or cause any harm to nearby ships.

Additionally, the battle should be brief and not disturb other passengers who may be trying to relax or sleep.

Despite these guidelines, horn battles have become a beloved tradition among cruise enthusiasts, with Disney Cruise Line leading the pack with their impressive musical horns and elaborate battles.

What is the history of cruise ship horns and how have they evolved over time?

The evolution of cruise ship horns can be traced back to their role in navigation and warning signals. With advancements in sound engineering and acoustics, cruise ship horns are now designed to be heard from a distance of two nautical miles, while also adding a tunefulness to the travel experience.

How do cruise ships ensure that their horns are audible from two nautical miles away in foggy conditions?

To ensure that cruise ship horns are audible from two nautical miles away in foggy conditions, technological advancements in sound engineering have been implemented. These advancements enable the horns to produce a loud and clear sound that can easily be heard, promoting safety at sea.

Can passengers request to participate in a horn battle between their ship and another ship?

Passengers cannot request to participate in a horn battle as it violates regulations and etiquette. Horn battles have a history of being fun, but safety is a priority. Exploring cruise ship horns is fascinating, but professional and technical.

What is the protocol for using the horn in case of a medical emergency onboard the ship?

In case of a medical emergency onboard the ship, the notification protocol is activated immediately. The horn usage is one of the onboard procedures used to signal for emergency response, ensuring passenger safety.

Are there any regulations or restrictions on the use of cruise ship horns in certain parts of the world or during certain times of day?

Did you know that regulations and time restrictions on cruise ship horns vary by location? In some areas, such as Alaska, there are strict noise pollution regulations, while in others, there are time restrictions to limit the environmental impact.

Cruise Ship Horn – The History and Significance

Cruise ship horns have a particularly distinct sound that is very, very loud. However, you shouldn’t mistake a cruise ship’s horn for the same purpose as your car’s horn, for example. 

They are an essential part of water navigation and are crucial for the safety of the ship and other ships at sea. They have a unique significance, and different blasts mean different things. 

Keep reading to learn the history and significance of a cruise ship horn, and discover the meaning of the different blasts you may hear throughout your cruise.

In This Article…

Cruise ship horn history and purpose.

As maritime vessels, cruise ships subscribe to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and other standard regulations.

Standardized international regulations were established to codify important vessel operation procedures. Part of this standardization includes having adequate horns on large vessels, and cruise ships are no exception.

These regulations are essential to ensure good communication between all vessels for the safety of all those onboard. The main point of a cruise ship horn is to avoid a collision at all costs. 

Cruise Ship Horn – Why Do They Blast Their Horns?

There are various reasons why cruise ships blast their horns, ranging from a simple salutation to other passing ships to a warning of potential danger or an emergency.

For the most part, however, most horn blasts are to communicate with other passing ships what direction the ship plans on going. This is done using various horn signals that all vessels understand.

Why Are Ship Horns So Loud?

You’re on your cruise deck relaxing and trying to get a tan when suddenly you hear the loud blaring of the horn. While this may startle you and even be annoying, there’s an important reason that cruise ship horns are so loud. 

Cruise ship horns are so loud because of how big the open sea is. They act as a warning to other boats and vessels at sea. They need to be heard in cases of low visibility and in cases of emergency.

In general, you can hear cruise ship horns from up to two miles away. Cruise ships are pretty slow to stop and turn due to their enormous size, so this much space is needed as a warning to get out of another ship’s way. 

Ship Horn Blasts – What Do They Mean

You may have noticed that cruise ships have several different blasts. But what do they mean? Here’s a quick look into what the horn blasts mean.

• One short horn blast: This communicates to another ship that you intend to pass it on your port side. 
• Two short horn blasts: This communicates to another ship that you intend to pass on your starboard side .
• Three short horn blasts: This means that you are operating in reverse, such as backing away from the dock.
• One prolonged horn blast: This is the first blast you’ll often hear onboard your cruise, as the blast signals that a vessel is leaving the dock.
• Five short horn blasts: This typically signals danger and is the type of blast you are least likely to hear on your ship

Aside from these reasons, your ship might also sound its horn in times of low visibility just to make its presence known.

Although cruise ship horns tend to startle and scare people onboard the ship, there’s rarely anything to worry about. In general, the ship’s captain blasts the horn signal only to communicate.

Read Also: Cruise Ship Tendering – Top Pro Tips

You’re more likely to hear your captain blast the ship’s horn signal for fun than you are to be in an emergency. Either way, you now know what different blasts mean so that you can be prepared for your next cruise.

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It’s All in the Details: The Horns of the Disney Fantasy

There is a clear leader when it comes to cruise ship horn battles. Since 1998, with the launch of the Disney Magic, Disney Cruise Line has been a unanimous winner of all such battles with the well-known When You Wish Upon A Star horn.

With the launch of the Disney Dream in 2011, Disney further solidified their rein by adding A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes , Be Our Guest, Be Our Guest, Put Our Service to the Test , it’s a small world after all , Hi-diddle-dee (An Actor’s Life For Me) , Yo Ho, Yo Ho (A Pirates Life For Me) , Makes No Difference Who You Are (the second line of When You Wish Upon A Star), and the full When You Wish Upon A Star – Makes No Difference Who You Are

When we sailed the Disney Dream on a 3-Night Bahamian cruise, we only heard two horns; A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes and When You Wish Upon A Star . On our recent Disney Fantasy 7-Night Eastern Caribbean cruise, we were informed that following the noon announcements, on the first sea day,  all the horns would be played.

For your enjoyment, The Disney Fantasy Horns from Satellite Sun Deck.

I still get goosebumps during the Sail Away Party when it the the horn is first blown. I’m convinced that this a Pavlovian effect, considering it signals the beginning of a new adventure!

I think it is safe to say Disney Cruise Line will continue to dominate all future horn battles.

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3 Replies to “It’s All in the Details: The Horns of the Disney Fantasy”

I would love you forever (well, more than I already do) if you made these into ringtones like you did for the new frozen one.

As of 2017 All the horns are listed A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes Be Our Guest, Be Our Guest it’s a small world An Actor’s Life Yo Ho, Yo Ho Makes No Difference Who You Are Do you want to build a snowman “Star Wars exclusives” Imperial March The Force Theme “may the force be with you” “New York exclusive” Start Spreading the News I’m Leaving Today ” from the Frank Sinatra song New York, New York

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Cruise ships are a popular way to travel, but they can be quite noisy. One of the most common sounds you’ll hear when a cruise ship is in port is its horn. But why do cruise ships blow their horns?

The primary reason cruise ships blow their horns is to alert other vessels in the area that they are present. Cruise ships are large and can be difficult to see, so blowing the horn is a way of letting other boats know that they should be aware of the ship’s presence. This helps prevent collisions and other accidents on the water.

In addition to alerting other vessels, cruise ships also use their horns to announce their arrival and departure from ports. This lets people on shore know that the ship has arrived or is leaving, which can be helpful for those who are waiting for passengers or crew members. It also serves as a way of saying goodbye or welcoming people back home after a voyage.

Finally, cruise ships use their horns as a way of celebrating special occasions or holidays. For example, many cruise lines will sound their horns when they pass through certain landmarks or areas of interest, such as passing under the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco or entering New York Harbor. They may also sound their horns on holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Eve as a way of wishing everyone onboard a happy holiday season.

So next time you hear a cruise ship’s horn while it’s in port, remember that it serves an important purpose: keeping everyone safe on the water and helping celebrate special occasions!

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Cruise Ship Horn Sound

by Alexandar · 05/11/2017

Cruise Ship Horn Sound. Large ship horn sound effect. Long blast, deep growl. Great for commercials, films, television shows, videos, music, radio, animation, etc. Game sounds free mp3 download.

MP3 320 kbps (zip) Lenght: 0:06 sec File size: 235 kb

License: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) . You are allowed to use sound effects free of charge and royalty free in your multimedia projects for commercial or non-commercial purposes.

Tags: alert beep blow blowing boat calling cruise cruise ship cruiseship deep double drone ferry fog foghorn harbor harbour horn howler lighthouse liner low marine nautical naval navy ocean port Sea ship ship horn signal triple

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How Does a Cruise Ship Horn Work?

By Michael Ferguson

A cruise ships horn is an important component of any cruise ship and is used to signal the ship’s presence, location, and direction. It is also used to alert other vessels in the area of the cruise ship’s position and direction of travel.

The horn is usually located on the bridge of the ship, near the helm. It consists of a large bell-shaped device that is connected to a compressor in order to produce its loud sound.

The bell-shaped device works by creating a sound wave by vibrating air inside it. The air inside the bell is compressed by a compressor, which creates pressure inside the bell.

This pressure causes the air molecules to vibrate, producing sound waves that travel through the air. The size and shape of the bell determine how loud and low-pitched or high-pitched its sound will be.

When a cruise ship needs to signal its presence or direction, an operator pushes a button on the bridge or helm that activates a solenoid valve connected to an air hose. This solenoid valve opens up and allows compressed air from the compressor to enter into the bell-shaped device. As soon as this happens, waves are created inside it that vibrate at specific frequencies producing loud sound.

The louder and lower pitched horns are usually used when signaling larger ships while smaller vessels may use less powerful signals with higher pitched sounds. Most cruise ships are required by international law to have at least one horn onboard for signaling their presence in close proximity areas such as harbors and docks.

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?? When a Ship Leaves Port ......

By sail7seas , September 12, 2005 in Holland America Line

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I've wondered for a while but always forget to ask a Captain when I have the opportunity to do so ........

When the ship leaves port, we (almost) always hear the ship's horn sounded. I've wondered if it is as a Thank You to the port for the hospitality? Is it a signal to other vessels in the harbor that the ship is moving? Some sort of courtesy to the port/harbormaster/pilots?

Or something else entirely?

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CRUISE SHIP HORN SOUND SIGNALS

While on your cruise you will hear the huge horn blast. In case you are wondering what the ship's horn signals mean, here's how to decode them:

Sound signals are broken into two types, long and short horn blasts. A short blast lasts for 1 to 3 second and a long blast from 4 to 6 seconds.

> 1 long blast is a warning that the ship is about to move from a position and that the captain may be unable to see other boats. This signal is commonly used when leaving port.

> 3 short blasts mean the ship is backing out of a slip.

> 5 short blasts signify danger.

> 1 short blast and 2 short blasts signify intent and acceptance in overtaking (passing) situations.

Thank you. Appreciate the info. One less thing I need to wonder about. :)

Aren't there also horn blasts of courtesy/salute?

Yes, the horn is often used in salute. On the maiden voyage of the Queen Mary 2, she sounded her horn 4 times when passing the Statue of Liberty.

On my first cruise, on the Maasdam, we sailed into St. Thomas at the same time as the Amsterdam, which was on the last leg of its world cruise. We left St. Thomas before the Amsterdam did, and the two ships tooted back and forth for quite awhile and the passengers all waved back and forth. Hubby caught this on videotape, it was quite funny to hear the two ships "salute" each other.

>>>>3 short blasts mean the ship is backing out of a slip.<<<

I told my SO that if this happens to her, some Beano might help. Bad remark.

Yeah, but it was funny.

>>>>3 short blasts mean the ship is backing out of a slip.<<<   I told my SO that if this happens to her, some Beano might help. Bad remark.

I also have heard nearby ship(s) reply when our vessel's horn is sounded when leaving port. Pretty neat. One that I got on video was when sailing the Regal Princess out of Oslo. Her identical twin (except for paint,) A'rosa Blu, was just entering port and they tooted back and forth for a couple of minutes. It was a treat to see the ships together.

The HAL ships frequently signal each other and/or the Port (authority), using the same "tune", when leaving Dutch territory, i.e. the Netherlands itself or the Netherlands Antilles.

It sounds something like seven short blasts (ta ta ta ta ta ...ta ta) which is usually answered by the other HAL ship

Wow, and you still managed to be coherent when you posted this, huh?!? LOL :)

Wasn't it fun to hear them toot back and forth!

After we left St. Thomas, we headed for HMC. After dark, we saw the Amsterdam in the distance because of her lights. She passed us after leaving St. Thomas and made it to HMC before we did. I really like it when you can see other cruise ships on the horizon after dark. The wave action makes it look like they are floating or bobbing all over the place.

TidePrideGA

We are scheduled to leave leave FLL and arrive at HMC at approximately the same time as the Vaandam. I'm hoping she'll be behind us and we'll be able to see her from our aft balcony!

The Glory and one of her sister ships got into a "tooting" match as we pulled out of Cozumel a couple weeks ago. It was funny, and all of us were out on the decks waving to each other.

As for warnings, I learned on Glory that seven short blasts and one long blast means get your life jacket and head for your muster station! :eek:

What do you call the number of blasts of the HAL ship's horn, to signal the folks in the FLL condos, as you sail from Port Everglades? We always love the "dueling horns" from the condos to the ships.

:) :) We call the folks in the condos with their horns and flags, the "tooters".....and we love 'em.

DCBCcruiser

Will they always signal the condos or is irregular?

EVERY time we have sailed by the condos going out of FLL, the Captains have always sounded the horn for them. We always look forward to it......such a happy way to start our cruise. :)

We do too, I think it is soo much fun. There are so many HAL supporters in the condos.

Here's another picture of leaving FLL

lol, that's great thanks!

dougnewmanatsea

Just a note, ladies and gentlemen:

A horn is something which might be used by the band in the Queen's Lounge.

The thing that gets blown when leaving port is a whistle .

Sorry, just one of those things that drives me nuts... Almost as much as people who are "going downstairs to their room on the second floor " ;) .

What can I say, I'm a nautical term snob!

Haven't lived until you see a disney ship leave port and it sounds "wish upon a star".

Most horns are manley in nature and the captain of the disney ship must hide under the desk when his horn sounds.

Krazy Kruizers

When we were in Nassau a couple of times, the Disney ship left ahead of us and we were able to hear the whistle play "wish Upon a Star" - loved it.

We love it whenever we go by the Condos in Ft Lauderdale and they are all waving the towels and blowing their horns and whistles.

There have been several occassions when we have heard the ships "talking" back and forth with their whistles - love that as well.

I remember on our last cruise in the Western Caribbean we saw a ship on the horizon one night, but could not identify it. There is something quite beautiful about seeing a ship in the distance, all lit up, in the middle of the dark ocean.

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