Rounder
Official online boating safety course for Wisconsin Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

It's the Law: Required Equipment

Visual Distress Signals (VDSs)

Visual Distress Signals (VDSs) allow vessel operators to signal for help in the event of an emergency.

  • Vessels on federally controlled waters must be equipped with visual distress signals.
  • An operator who observes another vessel or operator displaying one of these distress symbols must stop and render aid. It is prohibited to display visual distress signals unless assistance is needed.

Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals

Orange smoke signal
Orange Smoke
Day Signal
Red meteor
Red Meteor
Day and Night Signal
Red flare
Red Flare
Day and Night Signal

Non-Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals

Electric light: Night signal
Electric Light
Night Signal
Orange flag: Day signal
Orange Flag
Day Signal

Arm 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.

Federally Controlled Waters

Vessels must observe federal requirements on these waters:

  • Coastal waters
  • The Great Lakes (including Lake Michigan and Lake Superior)
  • Territorial seas
  • Waters which are two miles wide or wider and are connected directly to one of the above
Separator
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Get Started!
It's the Law!
Boating Basics
Wisconsin Information

The Handbook of Wisconsin Boating Laws and Responsibilities
Printable PDF Version
of Handbook

< Back to Previous Page Table of Contents Go to Next Page >
 
Online boating safety handbook last modified: April 22, 2008
Email concerning this boat safety handbook.
  Copyright © 1998-2008 Boat Ed. All rights reserved.
Review Boat Ed's privacy policy.
 
Rounder