It's the Law: Required Equipment for Your Vessel

Visual Distress Signals (625 ILCS 45/4-12)

Vessels on Lake Michigan must be equipped with USCG–approved visual distress signals. All vessels are required to carry night signals when operating between sunset and sunrise. Vessels 16 feet long or longer must also carry day signals.

Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals
Orange Smoke: Day Signal	Red Meteor: Day and Night Signal	Red Flare: Day and Night Signal
Non-Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals
Electric Light: Night Signal	Orange Flag: Day Signal	Arm Signal: Although not a U.S. Coast Guard-approved VDS, use this arm action to indicate you need help if you do not have other visual distress signals available.