11.10 Flares

11.10 Flares

▪Rocket parachute flares can reach

a height of 300 metres and are used for longer range attention seeking.

Flares are an effective way to signal passing aircraft and nearby boats that a vessel is in trouble and requires assistance.

Figure from page 191

There are three types of flares used as distress signals:

▪Red handheld flares are for night-

time use and can be seen up to 10 km away.

Figure from page 191

Flares will burn for about one minute, so only use when other boats and planes are in the area.

White flares are available for the purpose of attracting attention or marking a position by a boat.

Figure from page 191

▪Orange smoke flares are for day

use only and can be seen up to 4 km away on a clear day. They can be either handheld or buoyant cartridge type.

Figure from page 191

Flares are explosives and should be treated with care. Store in a waterproof container. They should always be within their expiry date.

Everyone on board should know where the flares are stored and how to use them.