When should a flare be used?

When should a flare be used?

Generally there are two types of flares: Collision Avoidance Flares: Designed to warn other vessels of your position. These flares give a white light. Distress Flares: To be used when there is “grave and imminent danger to life and/or to the vessel”.

How should a red hand held flare be used?

Day and Night Use VDS (Pyrotechnic) 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.

What is an example of an acceptable visual distress signal?

Acceptable Combinations of Visual Distress Signals Some acceptable combinations include: Three hand held red flares; One handheld red flare and two parachute flares; or. One handheld orange smoke signal and two floating orange smoke signals, and one electric distress light.

What is a flare used for?

Flares are used for distress signaling, illumination, or defensive countermeasures in civilian and military applications. Flares may be ground pyrotechnics, projectile pyrotechnics, or parachute-suspended to provide maximum illumination time over a large area.

What is hand flare?

A hand flare is a small cylindrical stick which when activated, produces an intense red smoke or light without an explosion.

What are distress flares used for?

A flare, also sometimes called a fusée, is a type of pyrotechnic that produces a bright light or intense heat without an explosion. Flares are used for distress signaling, illumination, or defensive countermeasures in civilian and military applications.

What type of flare is best for daytime use?

Hand-held Smoke Flare
Type D: Buoyant or Hand-held Smoke Flare This type of flare is most effective for daytime use.

What’s the best way to use a flare gun?

Keep a pair of heat-resistant gloves handy, because SOLAS flares can get quite warm. Hold a handheld or parachute flare in your non-dominant hand. Hold a flare gun in your dominant hand. Make a straight arm and hold your arm up at about a 45 to 60-degree angle.

What kind of flares do you need for a boat?

For boats 16′ in length or greater: One orange distress flag and one electric distress light – or – three hand-held or floating orange smoke signals and one electric distress light – or – three combination day/night red flares; hand-held, meteor or parachute type. If playback doesn’t begin shortly, try restarting your device.

Where do you keep a Fla res flare?

Fla res should be kept in a waterproof container in an easily accessible location such as a cockpit locker. There are several types of flare for different purposes: Use as a line of sight distress signal by day and night.

When to use flares and visual distress signals?

Flares and Distress Signals Visual distress signals (V.D.S.) are part of your boat’s safety equipment. Check them before you leave harbor for condition and if they have an expiration date, be sure they are current. When and How to Use