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Signaling for Help on the Water

Posted on May 28, 2009

To use pyrotechnic devices in an emergency situation, follow the manufacturer's instructions. In fact, it's a good idea to read the operating instructions before you actually need to use the device. Remember:

• Hold lit flares away from the body and over the gunwale downwind; the flames are very hot and ash and slag can burn skin.
• Never discharge flares near a fuel tank, upwind, or in close proximity to another person.
• Never discharge flares if fuel fumes are detected.
• Hold a smoke signal over the gunwale downwind, to avoid having the smoke blow back in your face.
• Only use flares that are certified for marine use (and only those that are Coast Guard-approved will satisfy Federal requirements).  Road flares are much more likely to start a fire on a boat than those specifically made for maritime use.
• Check the expiration date. Expired signals may be carried as extra equipment, but cannot be counted toward meeting the Visual Distress Signal requirement, as they may be unreliable.
• Never set off any VDS just for fun. Sending any type of false distress is a federal offense. Curious boaters who want to see pyrotechnic distress signals in use should contact their local Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla or U. S. Power Squadrons. These organizations conduct periodic pyrotechnic demonstrations.

Proper disposal

If you need to dispose of unwanted or expired pyrotechnic devices, don't toss them into the trash where they might ignite or cause other disposal problems. Instead, contact the local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary flotilla or U.S. Power Squadrons and ask if they could use them for boating safety training.  You can also call the local fire department or town hazmat unit for instructions on proper disposal.