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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:
• Pyrotechnic red ares, hand-held or aerial type.
• Pyrotechnic orange smoke, hand-held or oating type.
• Launchers for parachute ares or aerial red meteors.
All in all, each distress signal has certain pros and cons. 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 ame that can cause burns and or ignite ammable
materials. Pistol launched and hand-held parachute ares operate
consistent 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.
Non-Pyrotechnic Devices
Non-pyrotechnic devices must all be in serviceable condition, readily
accessible, and must be certied by the manufacturer to comply with
Coast Guard standards. They include:
• Orange distress ag
• Electric distress ag
• U.S. Coast Guard approved handheld strobe
The 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.
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