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…
This article studies the requirements and description of flares and when they must be carried in boats. All powerboats over 16 feet and sailboats over 20 feet are required to carry visual distress signals. A few exceptions include vessels being used in inland waters, less than 1 mile from the shore, and boats being used…