Most recreational boats, and all boats operating in coastal waters, Great Lakes and the high seas, must be equipped with visual distress signals. These signals must be U.S. Coast Guard-approved and are categorized for day use, night use or combination day and night. These signaling devices must be in serviceable condition, stowed where readily accessible and marked with a date showing serviceable life. Make sure they have not expired. (Distress flares, smoke flares and meteor rockets have expiration dates 42 months after the date of manufacture.)
The U.S. Coast Guard regulations prohibit display of distress signals except when a distress actually exists. You should only use distress signals when help is close enough to see the signal. The U. S. Coast Guard recognizes both pyrotechnic and non-pyrotechnic devices. Rule 37 of the Rules of the Road and Annex IV contain information and definitions of visual distress signals.
Rule 37 in the Rules of the Road states:
"When a vessel is in distress and requires assistance she shall use or exhibit the signals described in Annex IV to these regulations."
| Red Star Shells |
Fog Horn Continuous Soundings |
Flames on A Vessel |
Gun Fired at Intervals of One Minute |
| Orange Background Black Ball & Square |
SOS | "Mayday" by Radio |
Parachute Red Flare |
| Dye Marker (any color) |
Code Flags November Charlie |
Square Flag and Ball |
Wave Arms |
| Radio- Telegraph Alarm |
Radio- Telephone Alarm |
Epirb | Smoke |
Distress
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