Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Visual Distress Signals

Visual Distress Signals (VDSs) allow vessel operators to signal for help in the event of an emergency. VDSs are classified as day signals (visible in bright sunlight), night signals (visible at night), or both day and night signals. VDSs are either pyrotechnic (smoke and flames) or non-pyrotechnic (non-combustible).

Vessels on federally controlled waters must be equipped with U.S. Coast Guard– approved visual distress signals. All vessels, regardless of length or type, are required to carry night signals when operating between sunset and sunrise. Most vessels must carry day signals also; exceptions to the requirement for day signals are:

Recreational vessels that are less than 16 feet in length
Non-motorized open sailboats that are less than 26 feet in length
Manually propelled vessels

VDSs must be U.S. Coast Guard–approved, in serviceable condition, and readily accessible.

If pyrotechnic VDSs are used, a minimum of three must be carried in the vessel. Also, pyrotechnic VDSs must be dated and may not be carried past their expiration date.

The following combinations of signals are examples of VDSs that could be carried on board to satisfy U.S. Coast Guard requirements:

Three handheld red flares (day and night)
One handheld red flare and two red meteors (day and night)
One handheld orange smoke signal (day), two floating orange smoke signals (day), and one electric light (night only)

It is prohibited to display visual distress signals while on the water unless assistance is required to prevent immediate or potential danger to persons on board a vessel.

U.S. Coast Guard-Approved Visual Distress Signals

Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals

Orange Smoke
Day Signal

Red Meteor
Day and Night Signal

Red Flare
Day and Night Signal

Pyrotechnic Devices

Pyrotechnics are excellent distress signals. However, there is potential for injury and property damage if not handled properly. These devices produce a very hot flame, and the residue can cause burns and ignite flammable materials.
Pistol-launched and handheld parachute flares and meteors have many characteristics of a firearm and must be handled with caution. In some states, they are considered a firearm and are prohibited from use.
Pyrotechnic devices should be stored in a cool, dry, and prominently marked location.

Non-Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals

Electric Light
Night Signal

Orange Flag
Day Signal

Arm Signal
Although this signal does not meet VDS equipment requirements, wave your arms to summon help if you do not have other distress signals on board.

Non-Pyrotechnic Devices

The distress flag is a day signal only. It must be at least 3 x 3 feet with a black square and ball on an orange background.
The electric distress light is accepted for night use only and must flash the international SOS distress signal automatically.

Federally Controlled Waters

Waters on which vessels must observe federal requirements, including VDS requirements; these waters include:

Coastal waters
The Great Lakes
Territorial seas
Bodies of water connected directly to one of the above, up to a point where the body of water is less than two miles wide

Sound-Producing Devices

In periods of reduced visibility or whenever a vessel operator needs to signal his or her intentions or position, a sound-producing device is essential. The navigation rules for meeting head-on, crossing, and overtaking situations described in Chapter 3 are examples of when sound signals are required.

All vessels on state and federally controlled waters must have a sound-producing device to communicate.

The required sound-producing devices are as follows.

Vessels less than 65.6 feet (20 meters) in length, which includes PWCs, are required to carry on board a whistle or horn or some other means to make an efficient sound signal audible for at least one-half mile.
Vessels that are 65.6 feet (20 meters) or more in length are required to carry on board a whistle or horn, and a bell that are audible for at least one mile.

No vessel may be equipped with a siren except vessels used by law enforcement officers.

Common Sound Signals

Some common sound signals that you should be familiar with as a recreational boater are as follows.

A short blast lasts one second.
A prolonged blast lasts 4-6 seconds.

Changing Direction

One short blast tells other boaters "I intend to pass you on my port (left) side."
Two short blasts tell other boaters "I intend to pass you on my starboard (right) side."
Three short blasts tell other boaters "I am backing up."

Restricted Visibility

One prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes is the signal used by power-driven vessels when underway.
One prolonged blast plus two short blasts at intervals of not more than two minutes is the signal used by sailing vessels.

Warning

One prolonged blast is a warning signal (for example, used when coming around a blind bend or exiting a slip).
Five (or more) short, rapid blasts signal danger or signal that you do not understand or that you disagree with the other boater's intentions.