Flares
- Pyrotechnics / flares are typically kept on or near the bridge.
- Always ensure that all flares are up to date by checking their expiry dates.
- Parachute flares last approximately 40 seconds and are shot into the air reaching 300 meters or more. Their fall time is extended by making use of a built in parachute which is able to slow the descent of the burning signal, keeping it in the air for a longer duration. Parachute flares have the furthest range of visibility.
- Red handheld flares last approximately 1 minute and have a much more limited range of visibility. These emit a red burning light and a trail of smoke from the end of them and are typically held in a person’s hand during activation.
- Orange smoke flares last approximately 3 minutes and are only a viable distress signal during daylight hours. They are often thrown overboard where they will continue to release their smoke.
- Star or multi star flares can have one or more stars and are often launched from a pistol or similar apparatus.