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Signaling for Help on the Water

Last Updated (26 August 2009)
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Signaling for Help on the Water - an overview of distress signals

 

Boat owners and operators should know the federal and state requirements for Visual Distress Signals and how to use signaling devices in an emergency.

VDS can be pyrotechnic (giving off smoke and/or flame: flares, for example) or non-pyrotechnic (flags or electronic equipment).

If you choose pyrotechnic devices, you'll need a minimum of three signals for day and three for night, or just three pyrotechnic VDS approved for both day and night use.

Other combinations of pyrotechnic and non-pyrotechnic will meet federal requirements as well. For example:

The minimum VDS requirement for sunset to sunrise is:

  • Three nighttime-use pyrotechnic items in any combination

or

  • One electric distress light that automatically flashes SOS in Morse code

 

The minimum VDS requirement for sunrise to sunset is:

  • Three daytime-use pyrotechnic items in any combination

or

  • One distress flag (a flag at least 3 feet by 3 feet) in international orange with a black circle and square.
NEXT: Who must carry distress signals - a look at the Coast Guard regulations


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