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Visual Distress Signal Devices
The United States Coast Guard requires
all boats operating on the coastal waters of
the United States to maintain visual distress
signal equipment (fl ares) on board. Coastal
waters are defi ned as all waters, except riv-
ers, streams and inland lakes. The Great
Lakes and any river mouth greater than
two (2) miles wide are considered coastal
waters. All boats owned in the United States
and operating on the high seas are required
to carry visual distress signal equipment on
board.
All visual distress signal devices are re-
quired to be maintained in serviceable
condition and stowed in a readily accessible
location. Equipment displaying a useful ser-
vice life date must be within the specifi ed
usage date shown. Both pyrotechnic and
non-pyrotechnic equipment must be United
States Coast Guard approved.
Pyrotechnic visual distress signal devices
and their associated equipment include the
following:
Red Flares - Hand held or aerial.
Orange Smoke - Hand held or fl oating.
Launchers for aerial red meteors or
para-chute fl ares.
Non-pyrotechnic visual distress signal
devices include the following:
Orange Distress Flag.
Dye Markers.
Electric Flashing Distress Light.
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No single visual distress signal device is per-
fect for all conditions or purposes. Silverton
recommends carrying various types of de-
vices as described above. Careful selection
and the proper stowage of visual distress
signal equipment is extremely important. If
young children are frequently aboard, you
should select devices with packaging which
children, but not adults, will fi nd diffi cult to
open.
Sound Signaling Devices
The United States Coast Guard requires all
boats over 16 feet in length to have a device
that is capable of producing a sound signal
when conditions require. Boats greater than
26 feet and less than 39 feet, 4 inches,
must have a sound signaling device that
is capable of producing a four (4) second
blast, which can be heard at least one-half
mile away. The device may be either hand
held or power operated. Boats greater than
39 feet, 4 inches must have in addition to
the above sound signaling device, a whistle
and a bell, which must meet or exceed the
requirements of the Inland Navigational
Rules Act of 1980.
Refer to the United States Coast Guard
publication “Navigational Rules, Interna-
tional-Inland” for specifi c requirements of
sound signaling devices.
Navigation Lights
The United States Coast Guard requires all
boats that are operated during the hours
of darkness or when visibility is impaired,
be equipped with navigation lights that are
illuminated. Observe all rules of navigation
when meeting or passing another vessel.
DO NOT operate your yacht at high speeds
during night operation or when visibility is
impaired. A good rule to follow is to NEVER
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