International Methods of Calling for Help at "Sea".

The following methods are described in the Collision Regulations and may be used to signal distress and need for assistance.  Pleasure Craft Operators must be able to recognize and use, (or exhibit) these signals;

Please Note:  Because of the dangers their use will present, pyrotechnic devices (I.e. flares) should only be used when other methods such as using your cell-phone, VHF Radio,  horn, etc  fail, or are not available.  If they must be used, be sure to first carefully read the manufacturers instructions.

Keep in mind, visual signals are only effective if there is someone near enough to see them.  Hand held flares are good for pin-pointing your position as rescuers approach, rockets throwing red stars will give an observer only  a general idea of your location.  Orange smoke is only useful during the day.

• a gun or other explosive device, fired at intervals of about 1 minute,
  
• a continuous sounding with any fog signalling device,
  
• rockets or shells throwing red stars, or one at a time at short intervals,
  
• a signal by any method consisting of the group, ... --- ... (SOS in Morse Code),
  
• a signal sent by radio, spoken word MAYDAY,
  
• a signal consisting of a square flag, having above or below it a ball,
  
• flames on a vessel,
  
• a rocket parachute flare, or a hand flare showing a red light,
  
• a smoke signal giving off orange coloured smoke,
  
• exhibiting the flag N over flag C  (International Code of Signals),
  
• slowly & repeatedly raising & lowering arms, outstretched to each side,
  
• signals transmitted by an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon  (EPIRB),
  
• a piece of orange canvas with either a black square & circle, or any other symbol appropriate for identification from the air,
  
• dye marker released into the water,
  
• a square shape, or anything resembling a square shape,
  
• a high intensity white light flashing at regular intervals, 50 to 70 times a minute.