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8
Chapter 2
.
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 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:
n
Pyrotec hnic red fl ares, hand-held or aerial type.
n
Pyrotechnic orange smoke, hand-held or floating
type.
n
Launchers for parachute fl ares or aerial red meteors.
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 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
consistant with fi rearms and therefore must be carefully
handled. 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 must all be in serviceable con-
dition, readily accessible, and must be certifi ed by the
manufacturer to comply with U.S.C.G standards. They
include:
n
Orange distress fl ag.
n
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 circumstances
except when assistance is required to prevent immediate
or potential danger to passengers on a vessel.
NON-PYROTECHNIC DEVICES
VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS