BOATsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Module 02 - Boating Equipment

Visual Distress Signals Continued

Day and Night Use VDS (pyrotechnic)

A pyrotechnic visual distress signal must be within the expiration date, it must be Coast Guard-approved and it must be easy to locate on your boat. Always remember to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your pyrotechnic device.

Red Flare (Hand-Held)

This pyrotechnic device will be visible both at night and during the day. Hold the flare above your head to release red smoke into the air above your boat.

Red Meteor/Parachute Flare

Many Red Meteor and Parachute Flares are launched using pistol launchers (they function like handguns).

In some states, pistol launchers are considered to be firearms and are prohibited from use (check your state-specific regulations).

Any launcher made before January 1st, 1981, and that is meant to be used with a Coast Guard- approved visual distress signal, does not require Coast Guard-approval.

Electric Distress Light (Night-Only Use)

An Electric Distress Light automatically flashes the international distress signal (S.O.S).

The distress light must be turned on manually and can only be used at night.

The light must have a sticker on it that indicates it’s Coast Guard approval.

In an emergency, you can create an S.O.S. signal using your flashlight. To do this, use three short flashes, then three long flashes, followed by three short flashes. The light pattern would look like this: (• • • – – – • • •).