Malcolm Rivera
Visual Distress Signals (VDS) are crucial safety equipment for boats, enabling swift location during emergencies. VDS are divided into day and night signals, with the former designed for sunlight visibility and the latter for visibility in the dark. VDS are divided into two categories: pyrotechnic, which use smoke and flame, and non-pyrotechnic, which are non-combustible. Pyrotechnic signals, such as flares, have an expiration date of 42 months from the manufacturing date, while non-pyrotechnic signals must be certified by the manufacturer. To comply with federal boating regulations, boats must carry a minimum of three VDS for day and night use each, with a combination of pyrotechnic and non-pyrotechnic signals. It is important to note that using a VDS when not in danger is illegal and can result in penalties or jail time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To help others locate your boat quickly in an emergency |
| Types | Day signals, night signals, anytime signals |
| Categories | Pyrotechnic (smoke and flame), non-pyrotechnic (non-combustible) |
| Pyrotechnic signals | Flares, smoke signals, rocket-propelled parachute flares |
| Pyrotechnic requirements | Must be Coast Guard approved, in good condition, unexpired, and readily accessible |
| Non-pyrotechnic requirements | Must carry manufacturer's certification that they meet Coast Guard requirements, kept in good condition, and stored in a readily accessible location |
| Number of signals | A minimum of 3 devices for day and night use each; a total of 6 VDSs: 3 pyrotechnic and 3 non-pyrotechnic |
| Usage | Only to be used in an emergency when assistance is needed due to immediate or potential danger |
| Exemptions | Class A recreational boats under 16 feet, boats involved in organized events, open sailboats under 26 feet without engines, manually propelled boats |
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What You'll Learn
Pyrotechnic signals
Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals (VDS) are devices that use flame and smoke to help the coast guards or other rescuers locate your boat quickly in an emergency. They are one of the most common types of VDS and are required by federal regulations to be Coast Guard approved, in good condition, unexpired, and readily accessible. These signals include flares, which must be under 42 months old and can be hand-held red flares or parachute flares. Other pyrotechnic signals include handheld orange smoke signals and floating orange smoke signals.
Pyrotechnic VDS are further divided into two types: meteor or parachute-assisted. Some signals, such as parachute red flares, require a suitable launching device, while others, like hand-held rocket-propelled flares, are self-contained. It is important to note that some states consider the pistol launchers for meteors and parachute flares as firearms. To meet federal regulations, a minimum of three pyrotechnic VDS must be carried on board a boat, in addition to three non-pyrotechnic signals.
Pyrotechnic devices have an expiration date and should be updated regularly. They expire 42 months from the manufacturing date, and while expired flares can be kept as backups, they do not fulfill the legal obligation. To avoid the hassle of verifying flare expiration dates, boaters may opt for USCG-approved SOS distress lights.
When selecting pyrotechnic VDS, it is crucial to ensure you have a minimum of three devices that can be used during the day and three that can be used at night. This can include a combination of pyrotechnic signals, such as flares and smoke signals, as well as an electric distress light. It is important to remember that VDS should only be used when assistance is needed due to immediate or potential danger to the people onboard, as using them for entertainment can result in penalties or even jail time.
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Non-pyrotechnic signals
Visual Distress Signals (VDS) are crucial safety equipment that helps rescuers locate your boat swiftly during emergencies. While boating laws and safety measures should always be followed to avoid dangerous situations, accidents can still occur. Therefore, it is essential to carry VDS devices on board and use them correctly to enable a quick response.
One example of a non-pyrotechnic signal is the Orange Distress Flag, which is used during the day. The flag should measure at least 3 x 3 feet and display a black square and ball against an orange background. This flag is highly visible in bright sunlight, especially when waved or flown from a mast.
Another non-pyrotechnic option is Sea-marker Dye, which comes in several colours and is best used when there is a likelihood of being spotted via an air search. A Signal Mirror is another day-use option, although it is not required by law. It is a low-cost, simple tool with no expiration date.
For night-time non-pyrotechnic signals, an electric distress light is necessary. This light must flash the international SOS distress signal (three short flashes, three long flashes, three short flashes) four to six times per minute. An ordinary flashlight is not acceptable as it does not meet USCG standards.
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Night signals
At night, a boater in distress under Texas boating regulations can use a white flare, a burning torch, a red flare, an orange smoke signal, or an electric distress light to signal for help.
A white flare is a <
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Day signals
Visual Distress Signals (VDS) are crucial safety equipment that helps the coast guards or other rescuers locate your boat swiftly during emergencies. Federal boating regulations approve of these signals, making them safe to use on open waters.
- Handheld red flares
- Parachute flares
- Handheld orange smoke signals
- Floating orange smoke signals
- Handheld rocket-propelled parachute red flare distress signals
- Pyrotechnic flares (meteor or parachute-assisted)
Pyrotechnic signals are subject to an expiration date and must be replaced regularly. They must be Coast Guard approved, in serviceable condition, and stored in a readily accessible location.
Non-pyrotechnic signals are another option for day signals. These are non-combustible and do not have fire and spark elements. Examples include:
- Sea-marker Dye: This dye comes in several colours and is best used when you are likely to be spotted via air search.
- Signal Mirror: This is a useful, low-cost tool with no expiration date, although it is not required by law.
- Orange Distress Flag: This flag should measure at least 3 x 3 feet and display a black square and ball against an orange background. It is highly visible in bright sunlight, especially when waved or flown from a mast.
It is important to note that a minimum of three day signals must be carried on a boat, and they should only be used when you know you are in danger.
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Signal requirements
Visual Distress Signals (VDS) are crucial safety equipment that helps coast guards locate your boat swiftly during emergencies. VDS requirements for commercial vessels are outlined in Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
VDSs are divided into two categories: pyrotechnic and non-pyrotechnic. Pyrotechnic signals use flame and smoke, while non-pyrotechnic signals are non-combustible. Pyrotechnic signals include flares, which must be Coast Guard approved, in good condition, unexpired, and readily accessible in an emergency. They expire 42 months from the manufacturing date, and while expired flares can be kept as backups, they do not fulfill legal requirements. Examples of pyrotechnic signals include:
- One handheld red flare and two parachute flares (day and night)
- One handheld orange smoke signal and two floating orange smoke signals (day)
- One electric distress light (night only)
Non-pyrotechnic signals must carry a manufacturer's certification that they meet Coast Guard requirements. They must also be in good condition and easily accessible. Examples of non-pyrotechnic signals include:
- Sea-marker Dye (day use): This dye comes in several colours and is ideal when an air search is likely.
- Signal Mirror (day use): This tool is useful but not required by law, and it has no expiration date.
- SOS Distress Light (night use): This LED device meets U.S. Coast Guard standards as an alternative to pyrotechnic flares.
It is important to note that a minimum of three VDS devices should be carried, with a combination of day and night signals. Additionally, VDSs should only be used when assistance is needed due to immediate or potential danger, as using them in non-emergency situations can result in penalties or even jail time.
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Frequently asked questions
A Visual Distress Signal (VDS) is any device that can be used to help others locate your boat quickly in an emergency.
VDSs are divided into two categories: pyrotechnic, which use smoke and flame, and non-pyrotechnic, which are non-combustible. Pyrotechnic signals include flares, while non-pyrotechnic signals include flags and electric distress lights.
VDS should only be used when you or those onboard are in immediate or potential danger and require assistance. Using a VDS in a non-emergency situation is illegal and can result in penalties or even jail time.
