BOATsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Module 02 - Boating Equipment

Visual Distress Signals

You must be able to recognize when other boaters are in trouble. You are also responsible for knowing how to properly use visual distress signals if YOU are in trouble. Like your other boating equipment, your visual distress signal must be maintained, stowed in a readily accessible place and be Coast Guard-approved.

All boats operating on federal waters are required to carry visual distress signals onboard. Federal waters include: U.S. coastal waters, the Great Lakes and territorial seas and those waters connected directly to the Great Lakes or territorial seas, up to a point where the waters are less than two miles wide. Additionally, boats owned in the United States and operating on the high seas must be equipped with visual distress signal devices.

Day Use Visual Distress Signals (non-pyrotechnic)

HAND SIGNAL

By slowly waving your outstretched hands above your head, you will be signaling distress to others.

CODE FLAGS

Code flags can be used to signal distress. Use either of the following:

The International Signal for Distress: Code Flag ‘N’ (November) flown above Code Flag ‘C’ (Charlie).
An orange distress cloth (or flag), displaying a black square and a black circle, identifiable from the air.

DYE MARKER

You can release a dye marker in the water around your boat to stain the water a bright orange or green color.

ORANGE SMOKE HANDHELD OR FLOTATION DEVICE

Once activated, this handheld or floating device will produce a bright orange smoke that will be visible during the daytime.

Always raise the device above your head for your safety and for greater visibility—the orange smoke will be visible to other boaters and to those on shore.