Visual Distress Signals
Required under Title 14 USC Section 200-800/2000/89
At the bottom of this page we offer a graphic of both pyrotechnic & non-pyrotechinc VSD options.
Basic Laws on Visual Distress Signals
Vessels operating on U.S. coastal waters, the Great Lakes, interstate waterways, and territorial seas, as well as those waters connected directly, up to a point where the waterway in less then two nautical miles wide, must be equipped with U.S. Coast Guard-approved visual distress signals (VDS). Vessels owned in the United States and operating on the high seas must also be equipped with U.S. Coast Guard-approved visual distress signals.
In addition to the above the following vessel are not required to carry day signals, but must carry night signals when operating from sunset to sunrise:
- Recreational Boats less then 16 feet in length
- Boats participating in organized events, such as races, regattas, or marine parades.
- Open sailboats less then 26 feet in length that are not equipped with propulsion machinery.
- Manually propelled boats
Pyrotechnic Devices
Pyrotechnic visual distress signals must be U.S. Coast Guard-approved, in serviceable condition, and readily accessible. Check the expiration date. Expired signals may be carried as extra equipment, but cannot be counted toward meeting the visual distress signal requirement. Launchers manufactured before January, 1, 1981,and intended for use with approved signals, are not required to be U.S. Coast Guard-approved as long as they remain in serviceable condition.
If pyrotechnic devices are selected, a minimum of three signals are required for day use and three signals for night use. Some pyrotechnic signals meet moth day and night use requirements (combination flares). Pyrotechnic devices should be stored in a cool, dry place, if possible. A watertight container pained red or orange and prominently marked "DISTRESS SIGNALS" or "FLARES" is recommended.
U.S Coast Guard-approved pyrotechnic visual distress signals and associated devices include:
- Pyrotechnic red flares, hand-held or aerial (day/night use.)
- Pyrotechnic orange smoke, hand-held or flatting (day use.)
- Launchers for aerial red meteors or parachute flares.
Each of these devices has a different operating/burning time. Check the label to see how long each pyrotechnic devices will remain illuminated. Choose a device best suited to the conditions in the area where your vessel is typically used.
Non- Pyrotechnic Devices
Non- Pyrotechnic Devices visual distress signals must be in serviceable condition, readily accessible, and certified by the manufacture as complying with U.S. Coast Guard requirements. These signals include:
- Orange Distress Flag
- Electric Distress Light
Visual Distress Signals Recap
The following are just a few of the many combinations that meet the requirements set forth by this page:
- 3 hand-held red flares that are approved for day/night use.
- 1hand-held red flare and 2 parachute flares for day/night use.
- 1 hand-held orange smoke signal and 2 floating orange smoke signals for day, and 1 electric distress light for night use.
There are a vast number of combinations available, ordering from a VDS manufacture, if they are Coast Guard approved kits, they will be marked "Day Use Kit", "Night Use Kit", "Day/Night Use Kit". They may also be marked for range from shore "Inland Small Lake Use" or "20 miles from shore use kit". These are just a few examples, talk with your local Vessel Examiner during your yearly recommended vessel exam for exact details on what your vessel must carry for your boat operating method.
