It is crucial to have reliable marine emergency beacons on board. This guide clarifies the various types, addressing questions about their use and regulations. I know choosing the right beacons can seem overwhelming. But keep reading to understand each type so you can make an informed decision. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a boating…
Carrying flares and visual distress signals in a vessel registered in the US is a legal requirement as defined by the US Coastguard regulations. Flares are essential safety equipment that may decide the outcome of an emergency. At a Glance:1️⃣ The flares must be in a good state and not be expired. 2️⃣ The boat’s…
Distress flares are a member of the family of marine Visual Distress Signals (VDS.) These include pyrotechnic devices, smoke generators, signaling mirrors, and signal flags. The common features all distress flares share are: 1️⃣ They are designed to attract attention or to direct searchers to the boat. 2️⃣ All pyrotechnic devices expire after 42 months….
If you’re a boat owner or enthusiast, understanding the different types of marine flares and their uses is crucial for your safety at sea. We know that navigating the world of marine flares can be confusing, with many types to choose from and regulations to consider. With years of experience in marine safety and a…
Boat Flares are just one category of approved marine visual distress signals (VDS). Types of VDS devices include pyrotechnic flares, non-pyrotechnic flares, electric lights, smoke canisters, and distress flags. Distress Signals are essential to sea safety. Required by law for some recreational boats, distress signals or distress calls are an internationally recognized means to indicate…
Flares should be an essential safety item carried on a boat. Even if the boat is not legally required to carry flares, it is good practice to do so. Notifying surrounding boats that an emergency is being experienced may be the difference between a good or bad outcome. Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ The safety protocols defined…
All boats registered in the US must carry at least three flares for use in an emergency. Unfortunately, flares expire after 48 months, and at this point, the boater is left in an impossible position trying to get rid of them, but with no procedure to do so. Disposing old flares is a serious issue…
As much as we love being at sea, it can be dangerous. And if you ever need help, you want to be as visible as possible. This means visual distress signals are essential to have on board. But these distress signals all have their different uses. For example, orange smoke signals are only acceptable for…
The only visual distress signal permissible for use at night and no other time is the electric distress light, also known as an SOS distress light. Many approved visual distress signals may be used at night since they are significantly less visible during the day. The electric distress light is the only visual distress signal…
Visual distress signals are those that can be seen by nearby boats, planes, or people. The hand-held visual distress signals are precisely that. Unlike parachute flares fired into the air, hand-held distress flares are kept in a person’s hand while signaling for emergency assistance. Flares are to be ignited (according to accompanying instructions) facing away…