TYPICAL DISTRESS SIGNALS
A Red Parachute Flare
This type of flare is fired by a small rocket to about 1000 feet, and then the red flare floats down on a small parachute, leaving a smoke trail behind in the breeze. More intended for offshore use, day or night. and can be seen over considerable distances.
The Red Hand Flare. Burns with a bright red light, and gives off white/grey smoke. Ideal for inshore use, day or night.
The Orange Smoke Flare (daytime use only) with red hand flare in the background. Very effective in daylight, especially to mark your position for a helicopter, and to show the wind direction to assist the helicopter crew in your rescue. Also used to mark emergency helicopter landing sites, and show wind direction. Waterproof mini flares are available for use by divers, who can carry them as part of their dive kit.
PLEASE NOTE - DISTRESS FLARES MUST NEVER BE FIRED UNLESS IN A GENUINE EMERGENCY. THE ABOVE DEMONSTRATION WAS CARRIED OUT UNDER CLOSE SCRUTINY BY THE COASTGUARD IN STRICTLY CONTROLLED CIRCUMSTANCES.
TO DISPOSE OF FLARES THAT ARE OUT OF DATE (SEE PACKAGING FOR DATE) - CONTACT YOUR LOCAL COASTGUARD FOR ADVICE. DO NOT KEEP THEM FOR NOV 5TH, ESPECIALLY IF YOU LIVE NEAR THE COAST, AS MISUSE WILL RESULT IN A SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATION BEING ACTIVATED !. YOU MAY ALSO BE PROSECUTED. USED PROPERLY, THEY MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE, USED CARELESSLY, THEY COULD KILL OR SERIOUSLY INJURE YOU. Always treat your flares with care and respect. On board boat, keep them in a dry sealed container and readily accessible.