8
Chapter 2
.Non-pyrotechnic devices must all be in serviceable
condition, readily accessible, and must be certi ed by
the manufacturer to comply with U. S .C. G standards.
ey include:
n Orange distress ag.
n Electric distress light.
e distress ag is for day use only. It must be 3 x 3
or larger with a black square and ball on an orange
background. It can be spotted when attached to a boat
hook, long shing rod, or paddle with the person waving
the ag back and forth overhead.
e electric distress light is for night use only ashing the
international SOS distress signal (..._ _ _ ...).
Under Inland Navigation Rules, a high intensity white
light that ashes at regular intervals from 50-70 times
per minute is considered a distress signal.
Remember that regulations prohibit the display of visual
distress signals on the water under any circumstances
except when assistance is required to prevent immediate
or potential danger to passengers on a vessel.
NONPYROTECHNIC DEVICESPYROTECHNIC DEVICES
Pyrotechnic visual distress signals must be Coast Guard
approved, be ready for service and must be readily
accessible. ey all display a marking which is the service
life, which must not have expired. A minimum of 3
devices are required for the day and 3 devices for night.
Some devices meet both day and night requirements.
Pyrotechnic devices should be stored in a cool, dry
location. Most of these devices can be purchased in an
highly visible (orange) watertight container. Types of
Coast Guard approved pyrotechnic distress signals and
associated devices are:
n Pyrotechnic red ares, hand-held or aerial type.
n Pyrotechnic orange smoke, hand-held or oating type.
n Launchers for parachute ares or aerial red meteors.
All in all, each distress signal has certain advantages and
disadvantages.
ere is no distress signal that is best under all situations.
Pyrotechnics are recognized world-wide as superior
distress signals. A downfall is they emit a very hot ame
that can cause burns and or ignite ammable materials.
Pistol launched and hand-held parachute ares operate
consistant with rearms and therefore must be carefully
handled. Check with local and state regulations since
some of these device are considered rearms and are
prohibited.
It is best to carry red aerial ares which are visible from
a greater distance. Also, the red parachute ares burn for
longer periods and therefore are more likely to be seen
by another vessel.
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