| If you own a boat it is your responsibility to make | | | | Flares should be used in an emergency whether or |
| sure certain safety equipment is on board and that | | | | not you have contacted someone by phone or by |
| you know how to use it. Communication equipment is | | | | VHF radio. This is because a visual signal will help |
| most important when you are caught up in an | | | | rescue teams locate you more quickly. You should be |
| emergency. If you are going boating with a group, | | | | familiar with the instructions before having to use the |
| make sure at least one other person knows how to | | | | flares. Don't wait until there is an emergency to read |
| use emergency and communication equipment. | | | | the instructions. Time may be crucial in a boating |
| Using Radios or Cell Phones | | | | emergency. |
| The first thing you should do when you feel that | | | | Hand Held or Pin Point Flares - Hold the flare at arm's |
| your boat is in danger is to call for help using a VHF | | | | length. Do not look at it once it is lit. This flare can be |
| radio or Cell phone. | | | | seen 5 miles away during the day and 7 miles away |
| A VHF marine radio is specifically intended for | | | | at night. |
| communication with other ships or marine installations. | | | | Parachute Rockets - The flare rises 300m and falls |
| This can be a powerful tool in times of emergency. | | | | slowly in a parachute. This type of flare can be seen |
| This should be at the top of your list of things to | | | | from approximately 25 miles. |
| have on board your ship. | | | | Orange Smoke - Always ignite the smoke down |
| A cell phone is also a valuable tool in an emergency. | | | | wind. The smoke can be seen from about 3 miles in |
| It will put you through to a land operator but you will | | | | daylight. |
| not be able to communicate directly with rescue | | | | Avoid firing flare guns toward other vessels or land |
| teams such as lifeboats and helicopters as you would | | | | structures where the falling flare might cause a fire. |
| with a VHF radio. | | | | You should also be aware that flare guns and such |
| Once you have made contact with someone, tell | | | | devices are similar to firearms in many respects and |
| them as clearly as possible the name of your vessel, | | | | should always be handled with extreme caution. |
| your position, how many people are on board and | | | | Some states have already prohibited the use of |
| what assistance you require. | | | | certain types of flares. |
| Using Flares | | | | |