Regal 35 Sport Coupe, Руководство пользователя

Страница: 27 / 214

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:
„
Pyrotechnic red flares, hand-held or aerial type.
„ Pyrotechnic orange smoke, hand-held or floating type.
„ Launchers for parachute flares 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 flame that can cause
burns and or ignite flammable materials. Pistol launched and
hand-held parachute flares operate consistent with firearms
and therefore must be carefully handled. Check with local and
state regulations since some of these devices are considered
firearms and are prohibited.
Non-pyrotechnic devices must all be in serviceable
condition, readily accessible, and must be certified by the
manufacturer to comply with Coast Guard standards.
They include:
„
Orange distress flag.
„
Electric distress flag.
The distress flag 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 fishing
rod, or paddle with the person waving the flag back and
forth overhead.
The electric distress flag is for night use only flashing the
international SOS distress signal (..._ _ _ ...).
Under Inland Navigation Rules, a high intensity white
light that flashes 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