In the event of an emergency on the water it’s essential that boaters in distress are able to signal would-be rescuers, and arguably, nothing does this better than visual distress signals. That’s why the U.S. Coast Guard requires vessels over 16 feet to carry them on most waterways, day and night. Here’s how to choose the right signaling devices for the conditions, when to use them, and how to keep them safely stored on your boat.
Article at a glance:
As the name implies, visual distress signals are meant to be seen, and as such, produce bright flames, colored smoke, repeating flashes of light, or are simply brightly colored flags. The right signal for the event includes several factors, including day or night lighting conditions. Even the curvature of the earth comes into play.
Pyrotechnic Distress SignalsPyrotechnic distress signals, commonly called flares, are highly visible and relatively inexpensive. However they burn only for a short period of time, so it’s essential that the boater in peril wait to deploy them until they’re reasonably sure that they will be seen. The U.S. Coast Guard requires boaters have onboard at least three signaling devices rated for day use and three rated for night use. While you could satisfy that requirement with just three day/night rated devices, that’s the bare minimum. Most search and rescue experts recommend carrying at least six signals onboard. Remember that flares expire 42 months after their date of manufacture, so keep tabs on your supply to ensure they have not gone out of date.
Flares come in a wide variety of types, described below. Tip – use aerial signals to attract attention and handheld signals to guide rescuers to your exact position.
– CHECK THE WEATHER –
The weather changes all the time. Always check the forecast and prepare for the worst case.
Read More: Marine Distress Calls Explained
4 Recommended Visual Distress SignalsVisual distress signals are widely available. When choosing, keep in mind where you boat, including how far offshore you may go. We recommend the following products, including a complete kit for best protection, affordable handheld flares, a floating smoke signal and an LED distress light, all from well-known brands in the marine signal market.
.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } Orion 25 mm Alert Locate Plus Signal KitThis kit provides nearly all the items coastal and offshore boaters require, including a 25 mm safety launcher, four 25 mm red aerial signals, three red handheld flares, two orange smoke signals, a safety whistle, and a signal flag. Exceeds USCG requirements for brightness and burn time. The heavy-duty storage case floats and protects contents, and its bright-orange color is highly visible.
Why we like it: Self-contained kit covers multiple needs, includes safety launcher, both handheld and aerial flares, smoke signal, safety whistle, and flag.
.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } Comet Marine/Orion Floating Smoke SignalOrange smoke flare offers the most obvious, long-lasting visual signal during daylight hours. The buoyant canister doesn’t require a passenger to hold it, freeing them up to do other tasks, and it burns more than three times longer than its handheld alternative.
Why we like it: Rather than having to be held, a floating signal can be activated and tossed overboard. Highly visible during daylight hours, it lasts longer than a handheld flare.
– UPGRADE YOUR RADIO –
Digital Select Calling (DSC) allows you to transmit your precise location with the press of a button. Make sure your VHF radio has it, and don’t forget to get your MMSI number. It might just save your life.
This trio of handheld flares satisfies the USCG requirement for both daytime and nighttime signaling. Flares burn for up to three minutes and produce bright red flame. It’s a low-tech but effective, affordable solution.
Why we like it: Simple, low-tech, inexpensive solution that’s ideal for pinpointing your precise location.
.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } Sirius SOS Distress Light With Flag/WhistleElectronic SOS Distress Light features an omnidirectional LED visible for up to 10 nautical miles. Flashes a continual SOS pattern for up to 60 hours—four times the USCG requirement. Comes with an orange distress flag for daytime signaling, as well as a whistle to meet audible signal requirements.
Why we like it: Visual electronic signal can be seen from both across the water from up to 10 miles away and overhead. Lasts up to 60 hours.
Considerations When Purchasing Visual Distress SignalsIn addition to satisfying USCG requirements, there are other factors you should take into account when purchasing visual distress signals.
– CARRY A BEACON –
Satellite beacons such as EPIRBs or PLBs allow boaters to transmit distress signals and their exact coordinates from anywhere on the planet, no cell service required. It may be the best $400 you ever spend.
Have additional questions about visual distress signals and their use? Find a list of frequently asked questions below.
Which visual distress signals are approved for use at night?
Handheld red flares, launchable aerial flares (including parachute flares), and USCG-approved electronic signals are all acceptable for nighttime use.
Which visual distress signals are approved for day use?
Both handheld and aerial flares are approved for day use, as are smoke flares and signal flags.
How many visual distress signals should you have on your boat?
The USCG stipulates that boats required to carry visual distress signals have a minimum of three signals that can be used both day and night. Boaters have the freedom to decide which devices they want to meet that stipulation. The most common pairing would include three red handheld flares. An electronic signal light could also be combined with a combination of flares and smoke signals. Carry backups in case a signal fails, or if you need to signal multiple times.
What are the legal requirements for visual distress signals?
All recreational boats operating in US coastal waters or the Great Lakes, or bodies of water directly connected to US coastal waters or the Great Lakes up to a point where those waters are less than 2 miles wide are required by law to be equipped with visual distress signals. Exceptions exist for boats less than 16 feet in length, boats participating in organized events, and open sailboats less than 26 feet in length without an engine. Manually propelled vessels are required to carry visual distress signals only at night.
Are electronic flares as reliable as traditional pyrotechnic flares?
Electronic flares are reliable but are only as good as their batteries. Electronic flares or signals generally last far longer than pyrotechnic flares, up to 60 hours.
How should boaters store visual distress signals?
Ideally, store visual distress signals in a waterproof canister or a box that floats, and place that container in an easily accessible location. Bright colors, like orange, will make the container easier to find. Make sure your entire crew knows the location of the distress signals, as well as how to properly use them.
At what distance can visual distress signals be seen?
The curvature of Earth greatly affects any visual distress signal’s ability to be seen. As a rule of thumb, a handheld flare’s line of sight extends to about 5 miles; a 12-gauge meteor can be launched about 250 feet into the air and be visible for about 21 miles; a 25 mm meteor will reach heights up to 375 feet and be visible as far as 27 miles away; and a 25 mm parachute can reach as high as 1,000 feet and extend potential visibility to more than 40 miles.
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