What do flares look like

There are several types of flare, with each having benefits: Orange smoke — when triggered, this lets off a cloud of orange smoke, which can't be extinguished due to heavy rain or howling wind.

These are good as a line-of-sight distress signal, but because there's nothing burning and so nothing glowing they're suited for daytime use only. Red handheld — effective as a line-of-sight distress signal by day and night, handheld flares are very bright with a good visibility range.

They are very visible from an aircraft and will usually burn for up to 60 seconds. Red parachute or rocket — capable of attracting attention in daylight for up to 10 miles depending on conditions and up to 40 miles at night. The rocket launches the flare up to a height of about meters and the flare burns for seconds as it slowly descends.

But don't use this type of flare when there is a helicopter or aircraft overhead. Orange smoke flare. Red handheld flare. Red parachute flare. Be flare ready Read and understand the firing instruction s for your flares before you need to use them. They use flares that are close to their expiry date. These demonstrations act as a training session for new recruits to Coastguard and for boat owners, highlighting the importance of carrying flares and knowing how to use them.

They are also a good way for people to see how flares work and the effectiveness of the different types available in New Zealand.

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On this page: Using distress flares Types of flares. Disposal Flare demonstrations. Know how to use your flares Flares are pyrotechnic devices that create an intense bright red flame or an orange plume of smoke; these are highly visible from the air and on sea, making it easier for rescuers to spot. Making your signal as effective as possible 1.

An out of date flare may fail to operate as specified if it is used after its expiry date. It is possible that a manufacturer or insurer might avoid a claim concerning a malfunctioning flare if it has expired.

It is illegal to dump flares at sea, illegal to dump them on land and illegal to let them off in anything other than an emergency. Ultimately, the responsibility for the safe disposal of out of date flares rests with their owner. RYA guidance on arranging safe disposal of out of date flares. Unless you are required by law to carry pyrotechnic flares you may prefer to rely on more modern technology for distress alerting.

This, and how best to identify your vessel to someone arriving to provide assistance, is discussed under Calling for Help. Equipment Flares. Distress Flares Traditional pyrotechnic distress flares are listed in Annex IV of COLREG as an internationally recognised signal which can be used to indicate that you are in distress and need assistance. Types of pyrotechnic flare Red parachute rocket flares The red parachute rocket flare provides a long range signal by projecting a very bright flare to a height of about m; this burns for about 40 seconds while the flare drifts down on a parachute.

A parachute rocket flare should not be used if a helicopter is in the vicinity. Handheld red flares The hand-held red is a short range distress signal and is used during the day or at night when in sight of another vessel, a rescue helicopter or land. That's why many people are not familiar with how to safely use and care for these devices.

To show you how to use visual distress signals as designed and to use them safely, watch the videos above. The unwritten law of the sea requires that a mariner come to the aid of a mariner in distress. Therefore, should you see a distress signal, immediate and positive action should be taken. Notify the nearest Coast Guard station or State authority by radio. If you can assist the stricken vessel without endangering yourself, you should.

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