Visual Distress Signals (VDS)
A Visual Distress Signal (VDS) is any device you can use to help others locate your boat quickly in the case of an emergency. Visual distress signals include day signals that are visible in sunlight, night signals that are visible in the dark, and anytime signals that can be used both day and night. VDS are either pyrotechnic, which use smoke and flame, or non-pyrotechnic, which are non-combustible. There are a wide variety of signals that can be carried to meet federal boating regulations.
The law states that no person may use a distress signal under any circumstances unless assistance is needed because of immediate or potential danger to the persons onboard.
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In other words, never use a VDS unless it’s an emergency. Breaking the law can come with serious penalties!
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All recreational boats operating in U.S. Coastal Waters or the Great Lakes, or bodies of water directly connected to U.S. Coastal Waters or the Great Lakes – up to a point where those waters are less than 2 miles wide-are required by law to be equipped with visual distress signals.
U.S. owned boats must also carry visual distress signals when operating in international waters.
There are some exceptions. During daytime hours the following boats are not required to carry visual distress signals:
- Boats less than 16 feet in length;
- Boats participating in organized events, such as regattas;
- Open sailboats that are less than 26 feet in length and not equipped with an engine;
- And manually propelled boats, such as canoes.
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These boats are only required to carry visual distress signals approved for nighttime use when operating at night in the above listed waters.
Visual Distress Signals: Pyrotechnic
One of the most common types of visual distress signals are pyrotechnic signals such as flares. Federal regulations require that all pyrotechnic distress signals be Coast Guard approved, in good condition, unexpired and readily accessible in case of an emergency. Launchers for visual distress signals that were produced before 1981 do not need to be Coast Guard approved.
Non-Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals
VDS Handling and Storage
Acceptable Combinations of Visual Distress Signals
- Three hand held red flares;
- One electric distress light, and three hand held orange smoke distress signals;
- One handheld red flare and two parachute flares; or
- One handheld orange smoke signal and two floating orange smoke signals, and one electric distress light.
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