Visual Distress Signals
Signaling Devices
Visual Distress Signal Requirements for Recreational Boats
Recreational boats must have U.S. Coast Guard-approved visual distress signals (VDS). The requirements depend on the boat’s size and the time of day:
- Boats 16 Feet or Longer: Must have visual distress signals for both day and nighttime use.
- Boats Under 16 Feet: Smaller boats must carry night-use visual distress signals from sunset to sunrise and during times of limited visibility, like in fog or smoke.
If using pyrotechnic devices like smoke or flares, it is necessary to have three of them. These devices should be stored in a waterproof container that is clearly marked with the expiration date. If any pyrotechnic devices have expired, they should be separated and clearly labeled as expired. In case of an emergency, it is recommended to use the expired flares first. Three devices may not last long in an emergency, so carry additional signaling devices such as an LED white light, mirror, electronic flare, or glow sticks attached to a string.
There are exceptions to these rules: participants in organized marine events, users of manually propelled boats, and sailboats under 26 feet in open construction without motors are only required to carry night-use visual distress signals.
Easy Access to Visual Distress Signals
Make sure visual distress signals are easy to get to and work well – they shouldn’t be past their use-by date. Here are the types you can use:
- Electric Distress Lights: You need one for use at night.
- Orange Flag: Have one for daytime use.
- Pyrotechnics: Hand-held red flares, floating orange smoke, and red flares that shoot up.
You can use a mix of these to prepare for both day and night.
