Instruction manual

PROFICIENCY IN SURVIVAL CRAFT AND RESCUE BOATS OTHER THAN
FAST RESCUE BOATS
14 29
Fig. 14 -17 Red hand flares
Smoke signals
Smoke signals are of two types:
• buoyant orange smoke signals
• hand-held orange smoke signals.
Smoke signals are used to pinpoint the survivors’ position.
The smoke signal’s use to raise an alarm is doubtful. They will be more
readily seen from an aircraft than a surface craft. They are for daytime use
only.
Their range is at the most about two to three nautical miles in good
visibility.
The buoyant float smokes for at least 3 minutes.
Visible distance≥2miles
Hand held smoke signal give smoke for about 1 minute.
They should be used on the lee side of the survival craft.
Remember, they are good for signalling when winds are light. In strong
winds, however, the smoke may disperse quickly.
Fig.14-18 Hand held orange smoke signal