MARCO
Signal Horns
MARCO signal horns, air whistles and electronic whistles for every size of boat, from RIBs to 75 m yachts. Made in Italy, supplied in the US by Mate USA.
A horn is the piece of safety equipment you hope to use rarely and need to work perfectly when you do: in fog, in a crowded harbor, or when another skipper has not seen you. MARCO has been building horns in Italy since 1970, and every design is developed in its own anechoic chamber with spectrum analysis, so the signal carries the way the rules require. Mate USA supplies the marine range across the United States and Canada.
Larger yachts have two ways to make that sound. Air whistles push compressed air through a big trumpet, fed by an electric compressor or the vessel's own air system, and give the deep, classic tone of a ship. Electronic whistles create the signal with a loudspeaker and a controller instead: they can play automatic fog sequences, take a VHF input or a microphone, and some add a siren. Their acoustic membrane is warmed by ultrasonic heating.
Which horn you need depends mostly on the length of the boat. The international collision regulations (COLREG 1972) set sound classes by vessel size: MARCO's mid-size whistles are marketed for class IV, for boats of about 12 to 20 m (40 to 65 ft), and the largest for class III, up to about 75 m (246 ft). Runabouts, RIBs, sailing boats and tenders are covered by compact electromagnetic and electro-pneumatic horns in chrome, white or stainless finishes, some designed to mount out of sight inside the hull.
MARCO lists approvals that include NMMA ABYC A-23, RINA, Lloyd's Register MCA, Bureau Veritas and BSH. Always confirm the approval set for the exact part number.
Why MARCO horns
- Sound developed and tested in MARCO's own anechoic chamber
- A choice of air or electronic signal for yachts and workboats
- Models matched to vessel length and COLREG sound class
- Sealed designs up to IP66 for life on deck
Typical applications
- Motor yachts of about 12–20 m (class IV) and 20–75 m (class III)
- Automatic fog signaling
- Small runabouts and RIBs
- Sailing yachts and tenders
- Workboats that need a stronger horn
Representative models
- PW2 / PW2-BC / PW2-BB air whistle for 12–20 m, about 123 dB at 1 m; compressor included in the family listing
- PW3 / PW3-BC / PW3-BB air whistle for 20–75 m, about 132 dB at 1 m; compressor sold separately
- EW2 / EW2-M / EW2-MS electronic whistle for 12–20 m; -M adds VHF and microphone, -MS a siren
- EW3 / EW3-M / EW3-MS electronic whistle for 20–75 m, 24 V
- SK1 / SK1/C electromagnetic horn for small boats, IP65
- SM1 / SM1/C internally mounted horn for small rubber and sailing boats
- EMX1 / EMX2 stainless trumpet horns
- HR1 / HR1/C electro-pneumatic horn with integrated compressor
- EMH-M / EMH-MS multifunction electronic whistle, IP66
Sound levels, frequencies, voltages and mounting kits for every model are in the Pumps & Signal Horns catalog. Confirm the current approval certificate with Mate USA before a class or survey specification.
Download Pumps & Signal Horns Catalog (2020)
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy MARCO signal horns in the USA?
Mate USA is the US distributor for MARCO signal horns. Find an authorized partner via Distributor Search, or contact Mate USA — see Where to buy below.
Which horn do I need for my boat length?
MARCO groups approved horns by vessel length: PW2 and EW2 families for about 12–20 m (class IV), PW3 and EW3 for about 20–75 m (class III). Smaller boats typically use SK1, SM1, EMX or HR1. Always match the class rule that applies to your vessel.
What is the difference between a PW air whistle and an EW electronic whistle?
PW whistles use compressed air from a compressor or ship air system. EW whistles use a loudspeaker and electronic unit; -M and -MS versions add VHF, microphone and siren inputs. Both families are marketed for class III or IV depending on size.
Which horn model codes does Mate USA carry?
Common catalog families include PW2, PW2-BC, PW3, PW3-BC, EW2, EW3, SK1, SM1, EMX and HR1. Download the catalog for the full list and confirm stock with Mate USA.