April 02, 2007

Not To Be Overlooked: Distress Signals

In addition to USCG approved PFDs, Visual Distress Signals are required on all vessels used on coastal waters, the Great Lakes, territorial seas, and any body of water that connects them that is 2 miles wide or wider.

Boats greater than 16’ in length must carry day and night visual distress signals that are approved by the United States Coast Guard, are functional, and readily accessible. The most common are pyrotechnic devices, such as flares. All Pyrotechnic devices must:

- A minimum of three pyrotechnic devices are required. That is, three signals for days use and three signals for
night use. Some signals meet both day and night use requirements.
- Be marked with an expiration date. Expired signals may be carries as extra equipment but can not be counted
toward meeting USCG requirements.
- Pyrotechnic devices should be stored in a cool, dry location, if possible.
- A watertight container that is red or orange and marked “DISTRESS SIGNALS” or “FLARES” is recommended.

USCG Approved Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals

-Pyrotechnic red flares, hand-held or aerial
-Pyrotechnic orange smoke, hand-held or floating
-Launchers for aerial red meteors or parachute flares.

The following are just a few of the variety and combination of devices which can be carried in order to meet the requirements.

- Three (3) hand-held red flares (day and night)
- One (1) hand-held red flare and two (2) parachute flares (day and night)
- One (1) hand-held orange smoke signal, two (2) floating orange smoke signals (day)
and one (1) electric distress light (night only)

Posted by ribcraftusa at April 2, 2007 05:48 PM