SAFE BOATING

Make sure you have flares, horns and other signals on board

By Roz Butziger
Posted 10/13/16

An unexpected problem can occur anytime and you need to be prepared. How do you tell people you need help? On State or Federally controlled waters, unless you have a canoe, kayak, etc., you are required to carry three night visual distress signals (VDS).

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SAFE BOATING

Make sure you have flares, horns and other signals on board

Posted

An unexpected problem can occur anytime and you need to be prepared. How do you tell people you need help?

On State or Federally controlled waters, unless you have a canoe, kayak, etc., you are required to carry three night visual distress signals (VDS). These could be the day/night combo type. These would be a red flare or red meteor for day or night, and an orange smoke, or a 3x3-foot orange flag with a black square and ball, for daytime.  Pyrotechnic devices, such as flares, are excellent for visibility, but need to be handled carefully. The flame is very hot and could cause burns, or start a fire if used improperly.

An additional night distress signal you can get is an electric light that automatically transmits SOS, the universal distress signal. You need to have three unexpired, dated flares, but you can certainly carry expired flares for additional security. Your flares need to be in serviceable condition and stored in a cool, dry, location, and well-marked. If someone needs to get them, you don’t want to waste time rummaging around during an emergency.

Flare location as well as PFD location is something you should tell your passengers when they board. You might want to get a few extras. When it comes to live saving devices it’s never a good idea to stick to the minimum. These pyrotechnic devices can be used only once. A set is reasonably inexpensive. For considerably more, you can purchase SOLAS flares. These go beyond the Coast Guard minimums for how bright they are and how long they last. Remember, VDS can only be used for an actual emergency. It is illegal to transmit a false distress call in any manner – flares, radio, telephone, etc.

Other signals may not be signaling an emergency, but they warn of caution needed. A blue and white alpha flag, or red bravo flag inform boaters there are divers down in that vicinity who might be surfacing. Sound signaling devices are also required in Rhode Island. Boats (including PWC’s) less than 39 feet, have to have a whistle, horn, etc. that can make a four-second sound audible a half mile away. A human voice does not qualify. If the boat is over 39 feet but under 65 feet, it has to be a whistle. Vessels over 65 feet need a bell in addition to the whistle.

In fog, the sound signals are particularly important. If you hear a blast of about two minutes, there is a boat underway in your area. A long blast followed by two short blasts tells you the boat is fishing, towing, etc. Normal communication with sound signals could be one short blast which says a boat plans to pass you on his left, or two blasts, which means he is going to pass you on his right. Three short blasts tell you the boat is backing up. Five or more blasts are a danger signal.

Pay attention to signals and make sure your boat is prepared with all the safety equipment needed.  

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