FLARE EDUCATION

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FLARE EDUCATION TOOLKIT NOW AVAILABLE!

Find everything you need to know about Visual Distress Signals in one document. Includes links to infographics, a public image library, sample social media posts, etc. 

This Toolkit can be viewed, downloaded and printed by clicking here or on the image to open the pdf file.

Boaters are required to carry Visual Distress Signals (VDS) if they are or will be operating on U.S. coastal water, the Great Lakes, territorial seas, as well as those waters that directly connect, up to a point where the waterway is less than 2 miles wide. It is also recommended that boaters operating in all bodies of water carry some type of VDS.  While only certain types of boats operating on specific waterways are required to carry visual distress signaling devices, all boaters should be able to signal for help during the day or night on any waterway. Additional information on Visual Distress Signals can be found in the U.S. Coast Guard's pamphlet "A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats."

how do marine flares work and what kinds are there?

When it comes to flares, many boaters may not be aware that now there are options. Hand held pyrotechnic flares are what you traditionally find on boats as they have been the only option until recently. Handheld flares expire 42 months after their manufacture date and should be stored in a cool dry place. To light a pyrotechnic hand-held flare, remove the plastic cap and hold it in one hand. Strike the end of the cap against the striker tip of the flare and keep it pointed away from you, the boat, and other equipment. Hand-held flares are both a day and night visual distress signals and burn for roughly 2 minutes. It is recommended to keep a pair of protective gloves in your flare kit to protect your hands from burning slag.

Non-pyrotechnic visual distress signals (VDS) include an orange distress flag. A relatively new option is an electronic visual distress signal (eVDS) which can also be called an electronic flare or an E-Flare.     

The following infographics can be downloaded and printed, click here or on the image to open the pdf file.

The following infographic can be downloaded and printed, click here or on the image to open the pdf file.

what is an e-flare?

In the past few years, many manufacturers started offering Coast Guard certified electronic flares (or E-Flares) as an alternative to the traditional pyrotechnic kind. An e-flare serves as your nighttime distress signal. Each E-Flare will come with an orange distress flag that will be used as your day signal.  E-flares are as easy to operate as a flashlight and do not expire. They only require that you check the batteries on a regular basis.  When used, the E-Flare will flash the S-O-S signal for at least 2 hours, much longer than a traditional flare. Even if you still choose to carry traditional flares, adding an E-Flare to your boat's safety kit is a smart idea.

The following infographic can be downloaded and printed, click here or on the image to open the pdf file.

Does an e-flare work as well as traditional flares?

E-Flares meet the requirements of the US Coast Guard for carrying on a boat in place of traditional pyrotechnic flares along with an orange signal flag that can be used for a day signal. E-Flares do not expire or need to be replaced. They operate through the use of regular batteries which will need to be checked and replaced regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions or after the E-Flare has been used. There is no risk of being burned by an E-Flare and they can float and still produce light. An E-Flare can also be used more than once. The light from an E-Flare is required to flash the S-O-S signal and last at least 2 hours, but many will last much longer.

For more information please see our video blog with ACR Electronics talking about their ResQFlare. 

For more information about E-Flares from Sirius Signal, go to this blog.

Sea Tow members receive exclusive discounts through the Sea Tow Savings Club™. ACR Electronics and Sirius Signal each offer members 10% off their purchase at checkout. Members can learn more by logging in to the membership dashboard at seatow.com.

How do I use a flare gun?

A flare gun is made out of plastic and is used to discharge aerial flare cartridges. To load, push the barrel away from the hammer, place a flare cartridge into the barrel, and close it. To fire the gun, push the button on the side, pull back the hammer, aim up to the sky, and pull the trigger. An aerial flare is able to be used as both a day and night visual distress signal. Be aware that the firing of an aerial flare is very loud and safety is critical.  Always be cautious where you are pointing the flare gun and of any people around you.  Once launched, the light from the flare is only visible for 5 seconds, usually on it's trajectory back down towards the water. As with all pyrotechnic flares, aerial flare cartridges expire 42 months from their manufacture date so be sure to check yours on a regular basis.