Carriage and knowledge of visual distress signals can prevent an boating incident from becoming a tragedy. Boaters have a number of distress signals available to them.
In the article Boating Comms and Procedures we looked at some of the methods boaters can use to communicate with each other. Every boater needs to be aware of the emergency visual distress signals recognized within the maritime community. Being properly prepared for an emergency demands this knowledge.
The Coast Guard requires vessels over sixteen (16) feet in length the carry approved day and night visual distress signals while operating on coastal waters. Smaller boats are required to carry appropriate nighttime signals when operating at night. Many states have more stringent legal requirements. There is a wide variety of distress signals on the market approved for use at day and night. The U. S. Coast Guard approves visual distress signals for use in the United States and the signals will bear a certification label. There are also many internationally recognized actions or signals that a boater can display as a sign of distress.
Daytime Distress Signals - One of the best daytime distress signals is the distress flag. An approved distress flag has a black disk and square imprinted on an orange field. Most of these flags are made of vinyl and must be at least three (3) feet wide on each side. The biggest advantage for using a distress flag is their excellent visibility and endurance. A flag is just as effective after an hour of use. Pyrotechnical signals often last for a matter of seconds. Approved pyrotechnical or pyro daytime signals are floating and handheld orange smokes.
Nighttime Distress Signals - The three most common nighttime signals are handheld red flares, aerial red meteors (flare pistol) and parachute flares. Handheld red flares are very similar to highway flares we carry in our cars. Handheld flares need to be held away from your body and over the water away from your boat. Aerial red meteors are ignited with special launchers or flare pistols. Parachute flares are true fireworks. They come in a tube that has a trigger at its base. The meteoric signal is launched high into the air and floats slowly down under a parachute to maximize its time aloft. Many nighttime pyro signals are approved for both day and night use, reducing the number of signals that need to be carried. The electric night signal is available as a non-pyrotechnic signal. These signals look like a large flashlight and automatically flash the Morse code for SOS. Obviously, your batteries need to be fresh and a spare set couldn't hurt.
Pyrotechnical Distress Signals Concerns - Pyro based distress signals are regarded by boating safety professionals as being highly effective. When properly stored and maintained, they are very reliable. I have successfully fired pyro that was stored for more than ten years. Keep your old flares as backups. Every boater should bear some safety considerations in mind with their use. Handheld flares drip molten slag. Flares and smoke signals can easily start a fire onboard your boat. Aim parachute flares and flare guns in a safe direction. They can also start forest fires along the shore. Flare pistols are not much different from other types of firearms and considered weapons in some regions. USCG approved pyrotechnical signals have a 42 month lifespan and will bear an expiration date on their approval label. If there are concerns that limit your use of pyro, the daytime distress flag and nighttime electric signal are approved non-pyrotechnical signals available to boaters.
Other Distress Signals There are many recognized visual signals that boaters can use to call for help. A simple daytime signal is a mirror. Mirror flashs are visible for miles and this method is highly effective on sunny days. Flying a national ensign upside down or the November-Charlie code flags are accepted distress signals. One warning, it is difficult to determine the orientation of some national flags at a distance. You can wave your arms up and down to signal distress. Having an open fire visible onboard, a vessel is a sign of distress. This signal describes a signal fire that is contained in a drum on larger vessels. This signal always struck me as being humorous. Most of us seeing a boat spouting flames figure its in distress!
The Coast Guard warns use that, "Regulations prohibit display of visual distress signals on the water under any circumstances except when assistance is required to prevent immediate or potential danger to persons on board a vessel." Carry visual distress signals on your vessel and be familiar with their use. Carry and store your distress signals in a brightly colored, watertight container that is plainly marked Distress Signals. Many marinas offer training opportunities through the Coast Guard and other safety organizations on the use of distress signals. Take advantage of the chance to try out some of these products, it can be as much fun as the Fourth of July!
