Distress signals

Pyrotechnic distress signals

Rocket, hand flare, smoke — what each one is for.

• Parachute rocket (red) — climbs several hundred metres and burns while descending on its parachute: the means of raising the alarm at long range, even beyond the horizon.
• Hand flare (red) — burns brilliantly in the hand for a good minute: to guide rescuers who are already in sight, especially at night.
• Smoke signal (orange) — canister or buoyant, producing dense orange smoke for minutes: the daylight signal for close range, easily seen from the air.

When to use which

The rocket comes first, for raising the alarm at a distance — sensibly when there is a realistic chance of someone seeing it. Only light flares and smoke once rescuers are in sight: they bring the help in over the last few miles.

See alsoHandling pyrotechnics · FKN certificate & explosives law · Distress signals & mayday

FKN certificate & explosives law

Why signal rockets need a certificate of their own.

Pyrotechnic distress signals are legally explosive substances and fall under German explosives law. Hand flares and smoke signals of category T1 are freely available from the age of 18. Signal rockets (category T2) may only be bought and used by holders of the German certificate of competence for distress signals (FKN).

The FKN is issued by the German sailing associations after a short examination — the Keelwake trainer contains the complete official question catalogue. Important: pyrotechnics may only be fired in an emergency; misuse is a criminal offence.

See alsoPyrotechnic distress signals · Handling pyrotechnics

Handling pyrotechnics

Firing safely: line of fire, wind and your own hand.

• Know the instructions before you fire — in an emergency there is no time to read them. A look when you buy them pays off.
• Make sure the line of fire is clear: never fire rockets through the rig, the sails or from under the sprayhood.
• Hold them outboard at arm's length, face and body turned away; light flares and smoke to leeward so sparks and fumes drift away from the boat.
• Never aim at other vessels or people, and do not touch burnt-out remains — fire risk.

See alsoPyrotechnic distress signals · Storage & disposal

Storage & disposal

Dry, within reach, in date — and never over the side.

On board, distress signals belong in a dry, easily reachable container — and the whole crew must know where. Keep an eye on the expiry date: out-of-date pyrotechnics fire unreliably and do not count as adequate equipment at an inspection.

Disposal: chandlers take back out-of-date signals when you buy replacements, and the police or local authorities can advise. Never put them in household waste or throw them over the side.

See alsoPyrotechnic distress signals · Handling pyrotechnics