| Safety Equipment for the Boat: Lighting Pyrotechnics |
From "Shipshape Boating"
episode DSSB-201 |
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Host John Greviskis and guest Tom Donte discuss various ways to signal for help if you become stranded in your boat. Signaling devices such as lighting pyrotechnics, make it possible for others to find you when you can't be seen with the naked eye. The Coast Guard mandates that all boaters have certain signaling devices aboard.
Note: If you see a boater signaling for help using one of these devices, you are required by law to stop and help.
- Hand-held flares (figure A) are the most common type of signaling device, are easy to use, and will last approximately 90 seconds. You must carry at least 3 on your boat at all times. Also, make certain you check the expiration dates and replace them when the date has expired. You can purchase a waterproof canister to store your flares, so they will stay dry. To activate the flare, remove the cap and hold the flare downwind placing your hands on the white section (figure B) of the flare. Next, strike the cap on the flare while turning your face away so that you do not burn your eyes or face.
Caution: Be sure to not allow any of the slag that drips from the flare to fall on your skin, clothing or boat. If this does happen, do not try to rub it off, it will only spread and cause more damage.
- Flare guns (figure C) shoot a red flare (red signals distress) into the air and will allow others to see you from up to 25 miles away. This type of flare is also time sensitive, so check the expiration dates often.
- Orange signaling flag (figure D), also known as a distress flag, is an orange flag that has inflatable edges so that it will remain open and can be placed on an outrigger or at the end of a fishing rod to easily be seen. The flag has a black circle and square, which is an international signal for distress.
- Reflection mirrors(figure E) reflect light towards a target such as an airplane. This particular mirror has a sight so that you can align your target then angle it toward the sun, which will cause a flash of light to shine towards the target.
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