Instruction manual

PROFICIENCY IN SURVIVAL CRAFT AND RESCUE BOATS OTHER THAN
FAST RESCUE BOATS
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14.4 Distress signals, signalling equipment and pyrotechnics
14.4.1 Distress signals and signalling equipment
Distress signals at sea are defined in the International Regulations for
Preventing Collisions at Sea and in the International Code of Signals. Mayday
signals must only be used where there is grave and imminent danger to life.
Otherwise, urgent signals such as pan-pan can be sent. Most jurisdictions
have large penalties for false, unwarranted or prank distress signals.
Distress can be indicated by any of the following officially sanctioned
methods:
• transmitting a spoken voice Pan-pan, or a Mayday message by radio
over very high frequency (shorter range VHF) channel 16 (156.8 MHz) and/or
high frequency (longer range HF) on 2182 kHz
• transmitting a digital distress signal by activating (or pressing) the
distress button (or key) on a marine radio equipped with Digital Selective
Calling (DSC) over the VHF (channel 70) and/or HF frequency bands.
• transmitting a digital distress signal by activating (or pressing) the
distress button (or key) on a Inmarsat-C satellite internet device
• sending the Morse code group SOS by light flashes or sounds
• burning a red flare (either hand-held or aerial parachute flare)
• emitting orange smoke from a canister
• showing flames on the vessel (as from a burning tar barrel, oil barrel,
etc)
• raising and lowering slowly and repeatedly both arms outstretched to
each side
• making a continuous sound with any fog-signalling apparatus
• firing a gun or other explosive signal at intervals of about a minute
• flying the international maritime signal flags NC
• displaying a visual signal consisting of a square flag having above or
below it a ball or anything resembling a ball (round or circular in appearance)
The importance of a good lookout cannot be overstated. Remember,
when in a life raft, you are so small and the sea is so big that it is very easy for
a search ship or plane to overlook you. An alert lookout will make the
difference in survival. Once you have sighted a rescue ship or aircraft, use the
following to attract their attention:
- Signalling mirrors: Read the instructions for the particular kind of
signalling mirror in your survival equipment. Do not wait until you see a rescue
craft to use the signalling mirror. When the sun is shining, flash the mirror all
around the horizon .An aircraft can spot the flash long before you would see
the aircraft. The signalling mirror may save your life. Use it as long as the sun
is shining.
- Whistles In calm weather, your voice can be heard only a few
hundred yards away. If you keep screaming, you will become hoarse and lose
your voice. A whistle, on the other hand, can be heard up to 4 miles away in
favourable weather conditions. It can come in handy when you are floating in
the water trying to attract the attention of nearby rescuers. A whistle can be
used over and over again. It can be used in fog, at night, or during the day.