How to use distress flares at sea
To effectively use distress flares at sea, you need to understand the different types, their purpose, and the correct deployment procedures.
Distress flares should only be used when you are in a situation of grave and imminent danger to life or the vessel and require immediate assistance. Examples include:
- Sinking or capsizing vessel
- Fire on board that cannot be extinguished
- Serious medical emergency requiring evacuation
- Being adrift in hazardous conditions
- Any other situation where there is a significant threat to the safety of those on board.
Use flares when:
- You can see or hear a boat or aircraft in the vicinity.
- You are reasonably sure someone on shore is in a position to see your signal.
- You have already transmitted a Mayday call via VHF radio or other means, and flares can help rescuers pinpoint your location.
How to Use Distress Flares Safely
- Read the Instructions: Familiarize yourself with the firing instructions for each type of flare before an emergency. Do not wait until you are in distress.
- Check Expiry Dates: Flares have an expiry date, usually printed on the side. Expired flares can be unreliable and must be replaced.
- Storage: Store flares in a cool, dry, and easily accessible waterproof container. Keep them away from heat sources and flammable materials.
- Handling: Wear gloves when handling flares to protect your hands from heat and burning debris. Some recommend protective goggles.
- Point Downwind and Away: Always hold flares downwind and over the side of the boat, tilted away from yourself and the vessel to prevent burns or igniting fuel.
- One at a Time: Generally, fire only one flare at a time, but if you see a potential rescuer, you can use more to ensure they spot you. For parachute flares, firing a second one a few minutes after the first can help rescuers get a bearing.
- Dispose of Properly: Expired flares are hazardous waste and should be disposed of responsibly according to local regulations. Many marinas, fire departments, or local authorities have collection programs.
Red Handheld Flares:
- Visibility: Visible for approximately 5-10 nautical miles at night and can be seen during the day as a red color.
- Burn Time: Typically burn for around 45-60 seconds.
- Use: Short-range, line-of-sight signal for day and night use, effective when other vessels or rescue aircraft are believed to be within visual range. They also help pinpoint your exact location once help is near.
- How to Use: Hold the flare downwind, outboard, and tilted away from your body. Read the instructions printed on the flare casing before use, as firing mechanisms can vary. Some have a screw cap with a trigger, while others might have a pull-ring or striker. Be careful of burning dross.
Red Parachute Rocket Flares:
- Visibility: Long-range signal, visible for up to 20-40 nautical miles at night and up to 10 miles during the day in good conditions. The rocket launches the flare to about 300 meters (1000 feet).
- Burn Time: The flare burns while suspended under a parachute for about 40-60 seconds.
- Use: For long-range distress signaling, especially when offshore or out of sight of other vessels. The altitude and slow descent increase the chance of being seen.
- How to Use: Hold the launcher downwind at an angle (around 15-45 degrees from vertical, check instructions). Ensure there are no obstructions overhead. Some have a trigger mechanism at the bottom after removing a cap. Be aware of recoil and ensure the end of the launcher is not pointed at anyone. It’s advisable to fire two rockets a few minutes apart. Never use parachute flares if a helicopter is nearby.
Orange Smoke Signals (Handheld or Buoyant):
- Visibility: Daytime use only, visible for about 2-4 nautical miles but more easily seen from aircraft. Buoyant canisters are effective for marking your position and indicating wind direction for rescue helicopters.
- Burn Time: Handheld burn for about 60 seconds; buoyant canisters burn for around 3 minutes.
- Use: Daylight distress signal to indicate position to rescuers, particularly aircraft. Buoyant types can mark your location on the water, especially in oil or fuel-covered water.
Electric Distress Flares
Electric distress flares are battery-operated devices that use LEDs to emit a bright, flashing light signal intended to attract attention in an emergency at sea. Most approved models flash the SOS Morse code (…—…) in a distinctive color pattern
How to Use Electric Distress Flares:
- Familiarize Yourself: Read the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific device before an emergency.
- Activation: Most electric flares have a simple on/off switch or button to activate the SOS signal.
- Positioning: Hold the flare aloft, point it towards potential rescuers, or hang it in a high, unobstructed location on your vessel. Some are buoyant and can be set in the water.
- Continuous Signaling: Leave the flare on until help arrives or you are no longer in immediate danger. Their long battery life allows for extended signaling.
- Daytime Use (If Applicable): Remember to use a separate USCG-approved orange distress flag during daylight hours if you are relying on an electric flare for your nighttime visual distress signal requirement in areas like the US.
Key Advantages of Electric Distress Flares:
- Safety: They are much safer to handle as they don’t involve fire, heat, or explosive materials, reducing the risk of burns or accidental fires.
- Longer Lifespan: Unlike pyrotechnic flares which have a limited shelf life (typically 3-4 years), electric flares don’t expire. You generally only need to replace the batteries periodically.
- Reusable: Electric flares can be used multiple times, unlike single-use pyrotechnic flares.
- Extended Burn Time: They typically offer a much longer operational life (many hours) compared to the short burn time (seconds to minutes) of traditional flares, increasing the chances of being seen.
- Environmental Friendliness: They don’t produce smoke or chemical residue, making them a more eco-conscious option.
- Easy to Use: Operation is usually as simple as flipping a switch, making them easier to use in stressful situations, even for inexperienced boaters.
- Durability: Many are waterproof, buoyant, and designed to withstand harsh marine environments.
- Some Offer Additional Features: Some advanced models include infrared (IR) signals for detection by night vision goggles used by search and rescue (SAR) teams.
Potential Disadvantages of Electric Distress Flares:
- Initial Cost: The upfront cost of an electric distress flare is generally higher than a basic set of pyrotechnic flares. However, the lack of expiration dates and reusability can make them more cost-effective in the long run.
- Visibility in Daylight: While effective at night, the light from an electric flare might not be as easily visible as the bright smoke or flame of a pyrotechnic flare during bright daylight conditions. This is why they are often required to be carried with a USCG-approved orange distress flag for daytime use in the United States.
- Battery Dependence: Their functionality relies on battery power. It’s crucial to ensure batteries are charged or replaced as recommended.
- Recognition: While increasingly accepted, not all boaters or potential rescuers may immediately recognize the flashing light of an electric flare as a distress signal, although the SOS pattern helps with this. Newer models with alternating colors are designed to be more easily recognized.
- Range: While visible for several miles (often claimed up to 8-10 nautical miles for approved models at night), their range might not always match the potential long-range visibility of a parachute rocket flare in ideal conditions.
