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).
| |
If on State or
Federally Controlled Waters |
Day
(sunrise to sunset) |
Night
(sunset to sunrise) |
| Vessels less than 16 feet long |
None required |
3 night (or day/night) VDSs |
| Manually propelled vessels |
None required |
3 night (or day/night) VDSs |
| Open sailboats less than 26 feet long |
None required |
3 night (or day/night) VDSs |
| All other vessels |
3 day (or day/night) VDSs |
3 night (or day/night) VDSs |

Orange Smoke
Day Signal
|

Red Meteor
Day and Night Signal
|

Red Flare
Day and Night Signal |

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. |