Information about the use of flares
- Read and understand the instructions.
- Note expiration date and replace as necessary.
- Hold lighted flares downwind and over the side of the boat.
- Do not point them at anyone and hold away from your body.
- Store in a watertight container such as a Ziploc bag.
What is Red Hand flare?
The IKAROS Hand Flare red is a day and night, short-range distress signal flare for ships, lifeboats and life rafts. It is also the best pinpoint signal for recreational boats. The IKAROS distress flare has been developed from the IKAROS parachute flare, which is known to be the best in the world.
What are the 3 types of visual distress signals?
Visual distress signals include day signals that are visible in sunlight, night signals that are visible in the dark, and anytime signals that can be used both day and night.
What is a hand flare?
A hand flare is a small cylindrical stick which when activated, produces an intense red smoke or light without an explosion.
What Colour are distress flares?
red
Whilst distress flares are red in colour, white flares are also available and can be effectively used to mark a position or illuminate a large area at night. Flares should always be taken with you to a liferaft but most importantly, make sure you know how to use your flares before you go to sea.
What is the burning period of hand flare?
It must burn for a period not less then 40 sec with minimum luminous intensity of 30000 candelas.
How do you use a red hand held flare?
Red handheld flares: Use as a line of sight distress signal by day and night. Hold with arms outstretched. Point downwind. Don’t look at flare.
What color are flares?
Red
Flares
| Flare type | At night | During the day |
|---|---|---|
| Red hand flare | 5 to 10 nautical miles | Are red in colour and can be used during the day. |
| Orange smoke flare | Not suitable | Very limited visibility up to 1.4 nautical miles (nm) but better from the air. |
Why are flares red?
The main ingredients of flares include strontium nitrate (which provides the color—it burns with a bright red or orange-red flame), potassium perchlorate (a powerful oxidizer, which makes the strontium burn rapidly), and magnesium (which burns very brightly).
What Colour is a distress flare?
Smoke flares are usually orange and are effective when marking a position for Search and Rescue Helicopters. Whilst distress flares are red in colour, white flares are also available and can be effectively used to mark a position or illuminate a large area at night.
How many red flares do you need for distress signals?
(1) Six hand red flare distress signals approved in accordance with § 160.021 in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant, including, but not limited to, approval series 160.121; and
What is the Ikaros hand flare used for?
The IKAROS hand flare red is a short-range distress signal for ships, lifeboats and life rafts. It is also the best pinpoint signal for pleasure craft. The IKAROS hand flare white acts as a warn-off signal and is used by vessels and pleasure craft.
What kind of flares are used on a boat?
Handheld flares. These handheld flares are designed to give maximum output from a minimum size container. The IKAROS hand flare red is a short-range distress signal for ships, lifeboats and life rafts. It is also the best pinpoint signal for pleasure craft. The IKAROS hand flare white acts as a warn-off signal and is used by vessels…
What is a substitute for a hand orange smoke distress signal?
(2) One of the following may be substituted for any of the hand orange smoke distress signals required under paragraph (a) or (b) of this section: (i) A rocket parachute flare approved in accordance with § 160.036 in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant .
