BOATsmart! Base de connaissances du Canada 

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Module 07 - Emergency Preparedness

Other Distress Signals

Other Distress Signals:

• A dye marker will colour the water around your vessel, signalling your need for assistance
• EPIRB: an Emergency Position Indicating Response Beacon (EPIRB) sends a distress signal via satellite to a monitoring center (EPIRBs must be registered with the National Beacon Registry at 1-800-727-9414)
• A high intensity white light flashing 50 to 70 times per minute
• A square shape (or arrangement of items resembling a square shape) positioned on your vessel, or in the water near your vessel
• Controlled flames showing onboard a vessel can also be used to signal distress. During daylight hours, choose a safe flammable substance (such as engine oil in a metal pan) to signal distress (always use caution when using an open flame onboard your craft)