How do you use a distress flare?

How do you use a distress flare?

How to deploy distress flares

  1. Read the instructions on the side of the flare.
  2. Make sure the wind is behind you.
  3. Firmly hold the flare by the handle and hold the flare over the side of the boat.
  4. Unscrew the lid on the top of the flare.
  5. Hold the flare away from you at all times.
  6. Never look into the top of the flare.

How should I read handheld flares be used as a distress signal?

Information about the use of flares

  1. Read and understand the instructions.
  2. Note expiration date and replace as necessary.
  3. Hold lighted flares downwind and over the side of the boat.
  4. Do not point them at anyone and hold away from your body.
  5. Store in a watertight container such as a Ziploc bag.

How do you use a red hand held flare?

Red handheld flares: Use as a line of sight distress signal by day and night. Hold with arms outstretched. Point downwind. Don’t look at flare.

What must be true in order for a visual distress signal to work properly?

To meet federal regulations, non-pyrotechnic visual distress signals must carry a manufacturer’s certification that they meet Coast Guard requirements. Like other types of emergency equipment, they must be kept in good condition and be stored in a readily accessible location.

How do hand flares work?

Handheld flares Signal flares burn with a bright red light as you hold them, while smoke flares (also called smoke signals) are designed to be held in the hand, placed on the ground, or dropped overboard into the sea to give off huge plumes of colorful (generally orange or red) smoke.

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.

When should you use distress flares and rockets?

Generally there are two types of flares:

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

What should you do before using a flare Boatsmart?

Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before using a flare. Flares must be approved for use by Transport Canada. Contact your local law enforcement agency, fire department, marine retailer or the Canadian Coast Guard to ensure you are disposing of expired flares in an approved manner.

What type of flare is most effective 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.

Are flares required?

All boats 16 feet or more in length must carry visual distress devices aboard at all times. Boaters must carry at least one of the following devices that are suitable for day or night use: Hand red flare, distress signals.

What is the purpose of a hand flare signal?

Use flares to get the attention of other boats or aircraft in the area if you need assistance.

What’s the difference between flare and flair?

Flare, as a noun, refers to fire or light and spreading or widening; it can also indicate a sudden occurrence (alluding to things uncontrollably going up in flames). Flair, on the other hand, is not a verb, only a noun that is usually followed by for and that refers to talent, inclination, tendency, or style.

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

How old do you have to be to use a visual distress signal?

Types of Visual Distress Signals. One electric distress light (night only). One hand-held red flare and two parachute flares (day and night). One hand-held orange smoke signal, two floating orange smoke signals (day) and one electric distress light (night only). Flares must be under 42 months of age.

When to use a visual distress signal on a boat?

Visual distress signals are part of your boat’s safety equipment. Check them before you leave harbor. Their intended purpose is to summon help should the need arise. Visual distress signals can only be effective when someone is in a position to see them.

How long does a hand held distress signal last?

The LED light flashes up to 60 hours, unlike traditional flares that last minutes or less. It flashes only the SOS sequence, per USCG requirements, and is visible up to 10 nautical miles. Hand held distress signals are very common.