seconds, so the viewer will need to be
looking in the right direction. Parachute
flares take longer to return to earth, so
they have longer illumination periods.
• Pistol-launched and hand-held parachute
flares and meteors have many
characteristics of a firearm and must be
handled with caution (Figure 2-14).
• Open the breech of the launcher, if you
use one. Load the flare and be sure the
muzzle is pointed away from people and
your boat.
• Always consider wind direction when
you use a rocket-propelled distress signal.
Aim downwind, but reasonably high
for maximum elevation.
• To avoid starting a fire, never point a
pyrotechnic device straight up or in such
a direction that it may land in your boat,
another boat, or on land.
Store pyrotechnic signals in a cool, dry
location in a red or orange watertight container
clearly marked Distress Signals.
Orange Distress Flag
• Daytime use only.
• Hoist to the highest possible point, with
the black square over the black dot.
• Alternatively, place the flag flat on the
deck to attract aircraft.
• Consider a parafoil kite distress flag;
it will get to great heights. Do not fly
this kite unless there is an emergency.
Acquire a plain parafoil kite if you want
to gain experience.
Daytime Alternative
• Wave your arms up and down at the
sides of your body.
• Use a signal mirror–it takes practice.
Sweep the mirror back and forth to get
coverage and cause a flash at the viewer.
Figure 2-13. The proper way
to hold a flare when using one.
Do not use all of your flares
at once. Space out their use
to maximize the chance that
someone will see your
signal.
Figure 2-14. Using a pistol flare
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
169A
170
171
172
Section 2: Required Safety Equipment 31
Figure 2-15. Daytime arm wave
Engine Cut-Off
Switch = LIFE
SAVER
If the boat is
so equipped,
the engine cutoff
switch is
REQUIRED to
be operative and
attached to the
operator. A lanyard
is the normal
connector from
the engine ignition
switch to the
operator. In the
event the operator
falls overboard,
the engine is
turned off, preventing
possible
propeller strike.
Include man-overboard
and recovery
actions in
pre-boating briefs.