About Distress Signals

If you will be traveling on coastal waters or out on the ocean, you should know about distress signals.

If you are stranded, Distress signals are a very important for getting the help
you need. The S.O.S. signal is the most recognized signal. The SOS signal was
based on the Morse code and consists of three short dashes, three long dashes, and
then three short dashes.

If you become stranded in the daylight, a mirror can be used to flash the S.O.S.
signal, if you need help at night, then a flashlight can be used. Both mirror and
flashlight can be seen from incredible distances to deliver the distress signal.
For this reason, it is important to have both onboard the boat at all times.

There are other methods of delivering distress signals, include these listed:

1. A gun fired at intervals of about a minute.
2. A continuous sounding foghorn.
3. Rockets or shells, throwing red stars fired one at a time.
4. A radiotelegraphy SOS signal or other signaling method consisting of the group
... - - - ... (SOS)
5. A radiotelephony sent message consisting of the spoken word "Mayday?
6. The International Code Signal flags of distress indicated by N.C. (November,
Charlie)
7. A signal consisting of a square flag having above or below it a ball or anything
resembling a ball
8. Flames on the vessel as from a burning tar barrel, oil barrel, etc
9. A red rocket parachute flare or a hand flare
10. Orange-colored smoke
11. Slowly and repeatedly raising and lowering arms outstretched to each side
12. Signals transmitted by emergency position-indicating radio beacons

The point is to let people know that you are in need of help after you have their
attention.


 

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