Distress Signals for Boaters

Prior to the start of each boating season it's a good idea to inspect and assess your vessels safety equipment. In regions that make year round boating possible, January 1st is a good time to complete what could become an annual resolution.

Proper distress signals are often overlooked by many recreational boaters and become unusable after their expiration date. Now is a good time to check the date on your flares and replace them with newer, up to date ones. Be certain to dispose of expired flares properly. Don't set them off like they were Fourth of July fireworks.

Red and orange flares are marine and aviation emergency distress signals. They should only be used for emergencies. In the event a flare is used in a non-emergency situation, such as fired by mistake or accident, it should immediately be reported to the US Coast Guard in order to prevent an unnecessary rescue operation.

Title 14 U.S.C. 88 (c) makes it a class D federal felony, punishable up to 10 years imprisonment and/or a monetary fine, for anyone who knowingly and willfully communicates a false distress message to the Coast Guard or causes the Coast Guard to attempt to save lives and property when no help is needed.

Know your Coast Guard recognized distress signals and carry the correct signals on your vessel. The US Coast Guard's web site provides an easy to follow guide: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg5214/vds.asp