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Safety On Board
All in all, each distress signal has certain advantages and disadvantages.
There is no distress signal that is best under all situations. Pyrotechnics
are recognized worldwide as superior distress signals. A downfall is
they emit a very hot flame that can cause burns and or ignite flammable
materials. Pistol launched and hand-held parachute flares operate
consistent with firearms and therefore must be carefully handled. Check
with local and state regulations since some of these device are
considered firearms and are prohibited.
Non-Pyrotechnic Devices
Non-pyrotechnic devices must all be in serviceable condition, readily
accessible, and must be certified by the manufacturer to comply with
Coast Guard standards. They include:
Orange distress flag.
Electric distress flag.
The distress flag 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 fishing rod, or paddle with the person
waving the flag back and forth overhead.
The electric distress flag is for night use only flashing the international
SOS distress signal (..._ _ _ ...).
Under Inland Navigation Rules, a high intensity white light that flashes
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.
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