Visual distress signals are for circumstances you are under distress and there is someone you can see that can help you.  Certain devices you can use as visual distress tools include flares, smoke flares, and meteor rockets.

You are required to carry visual distress devices on your boat at all times.  there are many circumstances that might arise that require you to use them.  If you are in a speed boat on the ocean, great lakes, seas, or any water directly connected to them you are required to be equipped with distress signals. 

Boats that are not required to carry visual distress signals in the day but they are at night include recreational boats less than 16 feet long and boats in organized events like races, marine parades, and regattas.

Flares are usually marked with an expiration date.  Be sure your flares are up to date and you know how to use them.  They should always be accessible and ready to use.

You should never use a distress signal when you are not in distress.  If you do you could face a penalty or a fine.  It is best you do not waste your distress signals either.  You should only use them when you see approaching aircraft or another boat from a distance that can help you. 

You must carry a minimum of three pyrotechnic devices on your boat and they must be approved by the USCG.  To satisfy the USCG you can carry one of the following combinations:

• A total of three hand held flares for the day and night
• One red flare and two meteor flares
• One hand held orange smoke signal for the day and two floating orange smoke signals for the day and one electric light signals for night use.

There are things you should know about flares before you attempt to use them on your own.  These things include the following:

• Reading and understanding the directions of use
• The flare is not expired
• Hold lit flares downwind, away from boat and your passengers
• Hold away from your body
• Store in water tight container so they don’t get wet
• Have them accessible and ready for use
• Use only in an emergency situation

How to Call the Coast Guard for Help

The VHF radio on your boat is something you should become very familiar with.  The channels designated for the USCG are channel 16 and channel 22A. 

Channel 16 is the universal channel for the coast guard and for emergency use only.  Never use this channel to have a conversation with another boater on as it is a violation of the law.  If you must hold a conversation on the radio then you should agree to a different channel and then proceed talking.

If you are in a distress situation you will switch to channel 16 on your VHF radio and say, “mayday mayday mayday”.  If you are not in distress but you need to get someone to help you then you will say “Coast Guard.”  These channels are monitored day and night by the coast guard and you will get the help you need.

If you have a cell phone and you want to call in for help it will take you much longer than getting to know your radio.  The radio is a direct connection to the coast guard. Your cell phone is a direct connection to land lines.

The coast guard is going to want to know some information when you call them and you need to give it to them.  They will ask you your position or location via GPS if you have one.  You should know where you are at all times when you  are on a boat.

You should tell them exactly what is wrong and what the problem is.  They will want to know how many passengers are on board and how many are injured or just in danger.  You will need to give your boat name, registration, and a description so they can easily spot you.  They will also want to know the safety equipment you have on board so they can walk you through any help over the radio if they need to.

Sound Signals

Knowing sound signals coming from other boats could save your life.  You should also know the appropriate sound signals to give to other boats that are on the water and approaching your vessel.

If you have a boat approaching you and it gives you one short blast then it means they intend to change course to starboard.  Two short blasts means they intend to change course to port.  Three short blasts means that they are moving in reverse.  Multiple blasts of five or more means a danger or that there is doubt of what is going on.

The only way to communicate with other boats is by using sound signals.  If you are not clear what a boat is doing then you should not be afraid to use these signals.  The danger signal should be used if you are confused or you are not sure what a boat that is coming right at you is going to do.

You might use a danger signal to tell another boater what they are about to do is dangerous.  They may be heading into dangerous waters or they might be backing up close enough to hit you.

When a danger signal is used all boats will stop and then communicate.  When everyone agrees that the action going to be taken is safe then the boats will resume on the water.