Wisconsin Boating Safety Course


 

PYROTECHNIC DISTRESS SIGNALS

Pyrotechnic visual distress signals (VDS) must be Coast Guard approved, in serviceable condition, unexpired and readily accessible. Launchers, produced before January 1, 1981, intended for use with approved signals are not required to be Coast Guard approved. USCG approved pyrotechnicVDS and associated devices include:

  • Pyrotechnic red flares, hand held or aerial.
  • Pyrotechnic orange smoke, hand held or floating.
  • Launchers for aerial red meteors or parachute flares.