Listen for SAR and when they are close by, help them pinpoint your location and communicate with you.

FLARES & VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS

  • Legally required on all boats except human-powered craft under 6M
  • Used to signal need of assistance.

Have pyrotechnics (flares) and a signal mirror on board and know how to use them

FLARES

Four Basic Types:

  • Type A – Parachute – Night Use
  • Type B – Multi-Star – Night Use
  • Type C – Handheld – Night Use
  • Type D – Smoke – Daytime Use

Type A Flares

  • Single Star
  • Up to 300 M height
  • Parachute deployed at apex to slow descent.
  • Burn duration: 30 – 40 seconds

Type B Flares

  • Twin star
  • Up to 100 M in height
  • Burn duration: 4 - 5 seconds during descent

Type C Flares

  • Hand-held
  • Burn duration – Approximately 1 minute

Type D Flares

  • Smoke flare
  • Activate and toss overboard although some are hand-held.

Replacement Frequency

  • Flares are only valid for four years from the date of manufacture that will be stamped on the side of the flare.
  • Expired flares can be kept on board and used as spares.
  • Always read manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Hold away from body, downwind and over water.
  • Store vertically in a waterproof container and in a cool, dry place.

SIGNAL MIRRORS

  • Daytime use only
  • Signal S.O.S.
  • Many have a hole in the center of the mirror for use in sighting target


FLASHLIGHTS 

  • Legally required on most boats
  • Must be watertight
  • Signal distress with S. O. S. At night
  • Should carry extra batteries 

COMMUNICATION

Try contacting / communicating with SAR on Channel 16 on a VHF Radio or 911 / *16 on a cell phone

MARINE RADIO

  • General broadcast capability ---(Channel 16)
  • Requires license & MMSI Registration
  • Hand-held models often float/waterproof
  • Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
  • Can call specific boat
  • Linkable to GPS

CELLPHONE

  • Cell service not guaranteed
  • *16 – Coast Guard Communications Centre
  • Specific number calling only
  • Won’t float/not waterproof


EPIRBs & PLBs

  • Send signal and location via satellite to Search & Rescue
  • Must be registered with Canadian Beacon Registry.
  • PLBs are portable/can be taken on land.