Rescue Me
Pyrotechnic and non-pyrotechnic signal aids are critical to help rescuers pinpoint your boat's exact location in an emergency. "Hands-On Sailor" from our November 2010 issue.
As it is with all safety gear, the best-case scenario is one in which your boat is equipped with all the proper signaling devices and you never need to use them. On the one hand, you'll have the small added expense of having to replace expired flares that you've never used, but you can hold on to expired flares to use as a backup; many may still work even after they're out of date. On the other hand, isn't the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you're properly prepared to deal with the worst-case scenario totally worth it?
Bill Springer, CW's senior editor, hasn't had to fire a distress signal in an emergency, yet.
Signal Selection Guide
Equipping your boat according to the International Sailing Federation's distress-signal requirements is the best way to make sure that you'll be able to be seen when you really need to be seen. The ISAF minimum requirements, which exceed the U.S. Coast Guard's minimum guidelines and are also required to participate in US Sailing events, are broken down into several categories: In Category 4 are inland boats that sail and race in warm, protected waters only during daylight hours. Categories 2 and 3 include coastal boats that sail and race in open water relatively close to shore. Categories 0 and 1 encompass offshore boats that sail and race offshore for extended periods.
Category 4
4 SOLAS red handheld flares
2 SOLAS orange smoke signals
Categories 2 and 3
4 SOLAS red parachute flares
4 SOLAS red handheld flares
2 SOLAS orange smoke signals
Categories 0 and 1
6 SOLAS red parachute flares
4 SOLAS red handheld flares
2 SOLAS orange smoke signals
U.S. Coast Guard Requirements
The U.S. Coast Guard requires that nearly all recreational boats over 16 feet be equipped with a minimum of three day-use and three night-use or three day/night combination pyrotechnic devices that are Coast Guard-approved. The required number of flares must also be replaced every 42 months and should be stored in a watertight container.
Are "SOLAS-Approved" Flares Safer?
The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, or SOLAS, is a collection of safety requirements for all commercial shipping. According to Ron Trossbach, a moderator of US Sailing's Safety-At-Sea Seminars: "SOLAS flares are safer, brighter, and longer lasting than non-SOLAS or USCG approved, 'road' style flares, and are much more likely to draw attention both day and night. SOLAS handheld flares burn without the molten metal slag which falls from other flares and SOLAS rocket flares don't require a special launcher or flare pistol. We intentionally fire Non-SOLAS then SOLAS flares at our Safety-At-Sea Seminars so that our audiences can compare and see for themselves the vivid differences, which are self evident. This evidence justifies the additional cost of SOLAS flares."
More Flares Info
ISAF: +44 (0) 2380-635111, www.sailing.org/specialregulations.php
Landfall Navigation: (800) 941-2219, www.landfallnavigation.com
Orion Signals: (800) 851-5260, www.orionsignals.com/marine
PainsWessex: +44 (0) 1489 884130, www.pwss.com
US Sailing: 800-877-2451, www.ussailing.org
