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Types Of Marine Emergency Beacons

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…

What Is A Common Feature Of All Distress Flares?

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….

Marine Flares: Your Lifesaving Solution On The Water

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…

Which Visual Distress Signal Is Acceptable For Daylight Use Only?

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…

Which Visual Distress Signal Is Acceptable For Night Use Only?

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…

What Is The Proper Procedure For Using Hand-Held Visual Distress Signal Flares?

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…