Dispatches Safety Features Signaling for Help on the Water
Signaling for Help on the Water
Non-Pyrotechnic
An advantage to non-pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals is they can operate for a long period of time, but they must be in serviceable condition, readily accessible and certified by the manufacturer as complying with U.S. Coast Guard requirements.
Orange Distress Flag.
- Used as a day signal only. Must be at least 3 feet by 3 feet with a black circle and square on an orange background. Must be marked with an indication that it meets U.S. Coast Guard requirements.
- most visible when attached and waved on a paddle or boat hook, or flown from a mast
- may be incorporated into devices designed to attract attention in an emergency, such as balloons, kites or floating streamers
Electric Distress Light
- acceptable for night use only
- automatically flashes the international SOS distress signal ( ...---... )
- must be marked with an indication that it meets U.S. Coast Guard requirements
Under Inland Navigation Rules, any high-intensity white light flashing at regular intervals from 50 to 70 times per minute is considered a distress signal. Such devices do NOT count toward meeting the Visual Distress Signal requirement, however.
Pyrotechnic
Pyrotechnics are excellent distress signals, but carry the potential for injury and property damage if not handled properly. If children are aboard, non-pyrotechnic devices may be a better choice.
U.S. Coast Guard-approved pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals and associated devices include:
- pyrotechnic red flares, hand-held or aerial
- pyrotechnic orange smoke, hand-held or floating
- launchers for aerial red meteors or parachute flares
Each of these devices has a different operating/burning time. Check the label to see how long each device will remain illuminated, then choose one best suited to the conditions in the area where your vessel is typically used. Store in a cool, dry place. A watertight container painted red or orange and prominently marked "DISTRESS SIGNALS" or FLARES" is recommended.
NEXT: Proper use of pyrotechnic devices