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Pyrotechnic Devices:
Pyrotechnic visual distress signals must be Coast
Guard approved, be ready for service and must be
readily accessible. They 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 require-
ments. 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 pyro-
technic distress signals and associated devices
are:
• Pyrotechnic red fl ares, hand-held or aerial type.
• Pyrotechnic orange smoke, hand-held or fl oating
type.
• Launchers for parachute fl ares or aerial red me-
teors.
All in all, each distress signal has certain advan-
tages and disadvantages.
There 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 fl ame that can cause burns
and or ignite fl ammable materials. Pistol launched
and hand-held parachute fl ares operate consistent
with fi rearms and therefore must be carefully han-
dled. Check with local and state regulations since
some of these device are considered fi rearms and
are prohibited.
It is best to carry red aerial fl ares which are visible
from a greater distance. Also, the red parachute
fl ares burn for longer periods and therefore are
more likely to be seen by another vessel.
Non-Pyrotechnic Devices:
Non-pyrotechnic devices must all be in serviceable
condition, readily accessible, and must be certifi ed
by the manufacturer to comply with USCG stan-
dards. They include:
• Orange distress fl ag.
• Electric distress light.
The distress fl 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 fi shing rod, or paddle with the
person waving the fl ag back and forth overhead.
The electric distress light is for night use only
fl ashing the international SOS distress signal
(..._ _ _ ...).
Under Inland Navigation Rules, a high intensity
white light that fl 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 cir-
cumstances except when assistance is required to
prevent immediate or potential danger to passen-
gers on a vessel.
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