Distress Signals

Assistance provided by the Coast Guard, including search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, an...

The highest-priority distress signal via radio, indicating imminent danger to vessel or crew; mus...

Hitting an unseen hazard (log, rock). Boater ed covers immediate steps: check for leaks, engine d...

Pyrotechnic signals (hand-held or aerial) used to indicate distress; boater education covers stor...

The “rules of the road” for waterways, dictating right-of-way, overtaking procedures, and collisi...

Horns, whistles, or bells used to communicate maneuvers (e.g., passing signals), signal distress,...

A compact device transmitting an emergency signal to rescue agencies (similar to EPIRB but carrie...

A smartphone application allowing boaters to file and share float plans digitally with friends or...

A waterproof kit containing essential rescue tools (throwable PFD, flares, whistle, PLB) easily t...

A maritime device that sends a distress signal and location via satellite when activated, essenti...

Floating or sunken trash, fishing gear, and other refuse that pose navigation hazards and environ...

Pre-set frequencies for maritime use, e.g., Channel 16 (distress/calling), Channel 9 (recreationa...

Laws prohibiting the dumping of trash, oil, or sewage directly into waterways; states and the USC...

Emergency procedures when a boat’s engine fails, including dropping anchor, signaling for help, a...

A red flag with a white diagonal stripe (in the U.S.) that indicates divers are below the surface...

Mandatory and recommended gear for boats, including PFDs, fire extinguishers, visual distress sig...

A USCG-approved device used to extinguish fires on board, often required for vessels with enclose...

A marine radio used for communicating with other vessels, marinas, and the Coast Guard; used for ...

Floating barriers deployed to contain fuel or oil spills in marinas or open water; states and the...

A device, typically placed on smaller boats, that helps marine radar systems detect the vessel mo...

Commercial assistance (e.g., Sea Tow, TowBoatUS) that rescues disabled boats; having membership c...

A situation where someone falls off the vessel into the water; boater education covers the correc...