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Visual Distress Signals
PAGE INDEX:
- Approval Guidance:
- Visual Distress Signals Requirements for Vessels
- Accepted
Independent
Laboratory Search Engine.
Use this link to find accepted independent laboratories for the equipment approval categories listed below. (This link will take you another USCG website)
APPROVAL GUIDANCE
Flares
| APPROVAL CATEGORY | EQUIPMENT |
MRA
APPROVAL
|
|---|---|---|
| 160.021 | Hand Red Flare Distress Signal- 500 candela | NO |
| 160.024 | Pistol-Projected Parachute Red Flares (OBSOLETE) | NO |
| 160.028 | Signal Pistol for Red Parachute Flare | NO |
| 160.036 | Red Hand Held Meteor Flare - 20,000 candela | NO |
| 160.066 | Red Aerial Pyrotechnic Flare - 10,000 candela | NO |
| 160.121 | SOLAS Hand Red Distress Signal - 15,000 candela | YES |
| 160.136 | SOLAS Hand Held Red Parachute Flare - 30,000 candela | YES |
Combination
Flare & Smoke
| APPROVAL CATEGORY |
EQUIPMENT | MRA APPROVAL |
|---|---|---|
| 160.023 | Combination Flare and Smoke Signal (OBSOLETE) | NO |
Smoke Signals
|
APPROVAL
CATEGORY
|
EQUIPMENT |
MRA
APPROVAL
|
|---|---|---|
| 160.022 | Floating Orange Smoke Signal | NO |
| 160.037 | Hand Orange Smoke Signal - 50 seconds | NO |
| 160.057 | Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signal - 15 minute | NO |
| 160.122 | SOLAS Floating Orange Smoke Signal - 3 minute | YES |
| 160.157 | SOLAS Floating Orange Smoke Signal - 15 minute | YES |
Non-Pyrotechnic Signals
|
APPROVAL
CATEGORY
|
EQUIPMENT |
MRA
APPROVAL
|
|---|---|---|
| 160.072 | Distress Signal for Boats, Orange Flags | NO |
| 161.013 | Electric S-O-S Distress Light | NO |
HAND RED FLARE - 500 CANDELA
APPROVAL CATEGORY: 160.021
APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: The flare burns with an intensity of at least 500 candela (formerly "candlepower") for at least 2 minutes. Brighter flares with shorter burning times can also be approved if they total at least 1000 candela-minutes and burn for at least 50 seconds. For approval testing, the manufacturer must produce a lot of at least 100 signals from which samples are taken. Approval standards for these flares are found in Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Subpart 160.021. The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval. The testing must be performed on the product by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory. Production inspections and an annual report must also be completed by the accepted lab and provided to the USCG on an annual basis. This approval category is for domestic service only.
LINKS: USCG Guidelines for Approval of Domestic Pyrotechnic Devices
SUBMITTAL PACKAGE: Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:
- A letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
- A test report from the Accepted Independent Laboratory showing compliance of the product or equipment with the applicable standard.
Each Accepted Independent Laboratory maintains its own individual test report forms which provide this office with the required information of 160.021.
- Evidence that an acceptable follow-up factory inspection program with the Accepted Independent Laboratory is in place.
- Required drawings/plans of the equipment.
Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:
Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509
2703 Martin Luther King Ave Jr SE
Washington, DC 20593-7509
Once the equipment has been approved by this office, it will receive Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA). The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.
FLOATING ORANGE SMOKE SIGNAL
APPROVAL CATEGORY: 160.022
APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: Floating "can" producing orange smoke. The signal produces dense orange smoke for about 5 minutes (4 minutes absolute minimum). Approval standards for these flares are found in Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Subpart 160.022. For approval testing, the manufacturer must produce a lot of at least 100 signals from which samples are taken. The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval. The testing must be performed on the product by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory. Production inspections and an annual report must also be completed by the accepted lab and provided to the USCG on an annual basis. SOLAS requirements from the LSA Codes Recommendation on Testing of Life-Saving Appliances Section 4.8 are deemed equivalent based on similar 3 minute density testing. This approval category is for domestic service only.
LINKS: USCG Guidelines for Approval of Domestic Pyrotechnic DevicesSUBMITTAL PACKAGE: Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:
- A letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
- A test report from the Accepted Independent Laboratory showing compliance of the product or equipment with the applicable standard.
- Evidence that an acceptable follow-up factory inspection program with the Accepted Independent Laboratory is in place.
- Required drawings/plans of the equipment.
Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:
Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509
2703 Martin Luther King Ave Jr SE
Washington, DC 20593-7509
Once the equipment has been approved by this office, it will receive Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA). The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.
COMBINATION FLARE AND SMOKE SIGNAL
APPROVAL CATEGORY: 160.023
APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: This distress signal is no longer approved.
PISTOL-PROJECTED PARACHUTE RED FLARES
APPROVAL CATEGORY: 160.024
APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: This distress signal is no longer approved.
SIGNAL PISTOL FOR RED PARACHUTE FLARE
APPROVAL CATEGORY: 160.028
APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: For approval, the manufacturer must provide 3 signal pistols to the USCG accepted laboratory for testing. The testing must be performed on the product by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory. Production inspections and an annual report must also be completed by the accepted lab and provided to the USCG on an annual basis. This approval category is for domestic service only.
LINKS: USCG Guidelines for Approval of Domestic Pyrotechnic Devices
SUBMITTAL PACKAGE: Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:
- A letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
- A test report from the Accepted Independent Laboratory showing compliance of the product or equipment with the applicable standard.
Each Accepted Independent Laboratory maintains its own individual test report forms which provide this office with the required information of 160.028.
- Evidence that an acceptable follow-up factory inspection program with the Accepted Independent Laboratory is in place.
- Required drawings/plans of the equipment.
Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:
Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509
2703 Martin Luther King Ave Jr SE
Washington, DC 20593-7509
Once the equipment has been approved by this office, it will receive Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA). The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.
HAND HELD RED PARACHUTE FLARE
APPROVAL CATEGORY: 160.036
APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: The flare burns with an intensity of at least 20,000 candela (formerly "candlepower"), for at least 30 seconds, reaching an altitude of at least 150 meters (500 ft). Approval standards for these flares are found in Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Subpart 160.036. For approval testing, the manufacturer must produce a lot of at least 100 signals from which samples are taken. Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory. Production inspections and an annual report must also be completed by the accepted lab and provided to the USCG on an annual basis. This approval category is for domestic service only.
LINKS: USCG Guidelines for Approval of Domestic Pyrotechnic Devices
SUBMITTAL PACKAGE: Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:
- A letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
- A test report from the Accepted Independent Laboratory showing compliance of the product or equipment with the applicable standard.
Each Accepted Independent Laboratory maintains its own individual test report forms which provide this office with the required information of 160.036.
- Evidence that an acceptable follow-up factory inspection program with the Accepted Independent Laboratory is in place.
- Required drawings/plans of the equipment.
Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:
Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509
2703 Martin Luther King Ave Jr SE
Washington, DC 20593-7509
Once the equipment has been approved by this office, it will receive Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA). The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.
HAND ORANGE SMOKE SIGNAL - 50 SECONDS
APPROVAL CATEGORY: 160.037
APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: Hand-held signal producing orange smoke. The signal produces dense orange smoke for at least 50 seconds. Approval standards for these flares are found in Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Subpart 160.037. For approval testing, the manufacturer must produce a lot of at least 100 signals from which samples are taken. Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory. Production inspections and an annual report must also be completed by the accepted lab and provided to the USCG on an annual basis. This approval category is for domestic service only.
LINKS: USCG Guidelines for Approval of Domestic Pyrotechnic Devices
SUBMITTAL PACKAGE: Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:
- A letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
- A test report from the Accepted Independent Laboratory showing compliance of the product or equipment with the applicable standard.
Each Accepted Independent Laboratory maintains its own individual test report forms which provide this office with the required information of 160.037.
- Evidence that an acceptable follow-up factory inspection program with the Accepted Independent Laboratory is in place.
- Required drawings/plans of the equipment.
Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:
Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509
2703 Martin Luther King Ave Jr SE
Washington, DC 20593-7509
Once the equipment has been approved by this office, it will receive Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA). The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.
FLOATING ORANGE SMOKE DISTRESS SIGNAL - 15 MINUTE
APPROVAL CATEGORY: 160.057
APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: Floating "can" producing orange smoke. The signal produces dense orange smoke for at least 15 minutes. It is designed to be attached to a ring lifebuoy on or near the bridge of a commercial vessel. If someone falls overboard from the vessel, the crew drops the ring lifebuoy to the water, which pulls the smoke signal from its bracket. This action ignites the smoke signal. The smoke helps the person in the water locate the ring lifebuoy, and it provides a reference for maneuvering the vessel. (The ring lifebuoy is also equipped with a floating electric waterlight for night use.)
They can be also be used to meet regulations for daytime visual distress signals on recreational boats. For approval testing, the manufacturer must produce a lot of at least 20 signals from which samples are taken. Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory. Production inspections and an annual report must also be completed by the accepted lab and provided to the USCG on an annual basis. This approval category is for domestic service only.
LINKS: USCG Guidelines for Approval of Domestic Pyrotechnic Devices
SUBMITTAL PACKAGE: Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:
- A letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
- A test report from the Accepted Independent Laboratory showing compliance of the product or equipment with the applicable standard.
Each Accepted Independent Laboratory maintains its own individual test report forms which provide this office with the required information of 160.057.
- Evidence that an acceptable follow-up factory inspection program with the Accepted Independent Laboratory is in place.
- Required drawings/plans of the equipment.
Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:
Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509
2703 Martin Luther King Ave Jr SE
Washington, DC 20593-7509
Once the equipment has been approved by this office, it will receive Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA). The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.
RED AERIAL PYROTECHNIC FLARE
APPROVAL CATEGORY: 160.066
APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: The flare burns with an intensity of at least 10,000 candela (formerly "candlepower"), for at least 5.5 seconds, reaching an altitude high enough to make sure it burns out before it falls back to the surface. The signals specified by this part are either self-contained or pistol launched and either meteor or parachute assisted type. Pistol projected flares must be designed to be fired by a signal pistol approved under 46 CFR 160.028. For approval testing, the manufacturer must produce a lot of at least 100 signals from which samples are taken. Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory. Production inspections and an annual report must also be completed by the accepted lab and provided to the USCG on an annual basis. This approval category is for domestic service only.
LINKS: USCG Guidelines for Approval of Domestic Pyrotechnic Devices
SUBMITTAL PACKAGE: Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:
- A letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
- A test report from the Accepted Independent Laboratory showing compliance of the product or equipment with the applicable standard.
Each Accepted Independent Laboratory maintains its own individual test report forms which provide this office with the required information of 160.066.
- Evidence that an acceptable follow-up factory inspection program with the Accepted Independent Laboratory is in place.
- Required drawings/plans of the equipment.
Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:
Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509
2703 Martin Luther King Ave Jr SE
Washington, DC 20593-7509
Once the equipment has been approved by this office, it will receive Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA). The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.
DISTRESS SIGNAL FOR BOATS, ORANGE FLAG
APPROVAL CATEGORY: 160.072
APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: An orange flag with black square above a black circle. The flag is at least 90 cm x 90 cm (3 ft x 3 ft), with grommets at each corner to allow it to be hung or flown. Other arrangements have also been accepted in kite or balloon form, but all have the orange and black square and circle form. The material is tested for weathering resistance and durability. The square and circle form is intended to simulate a cylinder-over-sphere dayshape, indicating distress. Distress flags are self-certified by the manufacturer. The Coast Guard does not issue approvals or keep an authenticated list of manufacturers.
SUBMITTAL PACKAGE: While not approved by the Coast Guard, this office maintains a list of Self-certified Distress Flag manufactures.
Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:
Product sample and
specification of the equipment.
Please send the Submittal Package and related information to the
following address:
Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509
2703 Martin Luther King Ave Jr SE
Washington, DC 20593-7509
HAND
RED FLARE DISTRESS SIGNAL - 15,000 CANDELA (SOLAS)
APPROVAL CATEGORY: 160.121
APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: Hand-held flare with a red flame. The flare burns with an intensity of at least 15,000 candela (formerly "candlepower") for at least 50 seconds. Is approved under SOLAS Life Saving Appliance Code (MSC. 48(66)) Section 3.2 and the Recommendation on Testing of Life-Saving Appliances (MSC.81(70)) Part 1 Section 4. All requirements from the SOLAS regulations and any additional USCG requirements have been consolidated into the USCG Guidelines for Approval of SOLAS pyrotechnic Devices. Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory. Production inspections and an annual report must also be completed by the accepted lab and provided to the USCG on an annual basis. This approval category is for domestic and international service.
LINKS: USCG Guidelines for Approval of SOLAS Pyrotechnic Devices
SUBMITTAL PACKAGE: Please see the above link:
Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:
Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509
2703 Martin Luther King Ave Jr SE
Washington, DC 20593-7509
Once the equipment has been approved by this office, it will receive Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA). The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.
FLOATING ORANGE SMOKE SIGNAL - 3 MINUTE (SOLAS)
APPROVAL CATEGORY: 160.122
APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: The signal produces dense orange smoke for at least 3 minutes. For approval, see SOLAS Life Saving Appliance Code (MSC. 48(66)) Section 3.3 and the Recommendation on Testing of Life-Saving Appliances (MSC.81(70)) Part 1 Section 4. All requirements from the SOLAS regulations and any additional USCG requirements have been consolidated into the USCG Guidelines for Approval of SOLAS pyrotechnic Devices. Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory. Production inspections and an annual report must also be completed by the accepted lab and provided to the USCG on an annual basis. This approval category is for domestic and international service.
LINKS: USCG Guidelines for Approval of SOLAS Pyrotechnic Devices
SUBMITTAL PACKAGE: Please see the above link:
Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:
Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509
2703 Martin Luther King Ave Jr SE
Washington, DC 20593-7509
Once the equipment has been approved by this office, it will receive Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA). The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.
RED PARACHUTE FLARE - 30,000 CANDELA (SOLAS)
APPROVAL CATEGORY: 160.136
APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: Parachute flare with a red flame. The flare burns with an intensity of at least 30,000 candela (formerly "candlepower"), for at least 40 seconds, reaching an altitude of at least 300 meters (1000 ft). For approval, see SOLAS Life Saving Appliance Code (MSC. 48(66)) Section 3.1 and the Recommendation on Testing of Life-Saving Appliances (MSC.81(70)) Part 1 Section 4. All requirements from the SOLAS regulations and any additional USCG requirements have been consolidated into the USCG Guidelines for Approval of SOLAS pyrotechnic Devices. Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory. Production inspections and an annual report must also be completed by the accepted lab and provided to the USCG on an annual basis. This approval category is for domestic and international service.
LINKS: USCG Guidelines for Approval of SOLAS Pyrotechnic Devices
SUBMITTAL PACKAGE: Please see the above link:
Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:
Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509
2703 Martin Luther King Ave Jr SE
Washington, DC 20593-7509
Once the equipment has been approved by this office, it will receive Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA). The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.
FLOATING ORANGE SMOKE SIGNAL - 15 MINUTE (SOLAS)
APPROVAL CATEGORY: 160.157
APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: The signal produces dense orange smoke for at least 15 minutes. It is designed to be attached to a ring lifebuoy on or near the bridge of a commercial vessel. If someone falls overboard from the vessel, the crew drops the ring lifebuoy to the water, which pulls the smoke signal from its bracket. This action ignites the smoke signal. The smoke helps the person in the water locate the ring lifebuoy, and it provides a reference for maneuvering the vessel. (The ring lifebuoy is also equipped with a floating electric waterlight for night use.) They can be also be used to meet regulations for daytime visual distress signals on recreational boats.
For approval, see SOLAS Life Saving Appliance Code (MSC. 48(66)) Section 2.1.3 and the Recommendation on Testing of Life-Saving Appliances (MSC.81(70)) Part 1 Section 1.9. All requirements from the SOLAS regulations and any additional USCG requirements have been consolidated into the USCG Guidelines for Approval of SOLAS pyrotechnic Devices. Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory. Production inspections and an annual report must also be completed by the accepted lab and provided to the USCG on an annual basis. This approval category is for domestic and international service.
LINKS: USCG Guidelines for Approval of SOLAS Pyrotechnic Devices
SUBMITTAL PACKAGE: Please see the above link:
Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:
Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509
2703 Martin Luther King Ave Jr SE
Washington, DC 20593-7509
Once the equipment has been approved by this office, it will receive Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA). The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.
ELECTRIC S-O-S DISTRESS LIGHT
APPROVAL CATEGORY: 161.013
APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: This is an alternative to flares for recreational boats. It is required to automatically flash S-O-S. Light intensity and duration requirements apply. Electric S-O-S distress lights are self-certified by the manufacturer. The Coast Guard does not issue approvals or keep an authenticated list of manufacturers. Approval standards for these lights are found in Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Subpart 161.013.
VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNAL REQUIREMENTS:
The following link
provides a table (in pdf format) which indicates the appropriate
distress signal for each vessel use/type. Limited uses for certain
signals are described within the table.
Adobe Acrobat Reader (PDF)