Visual Distress Signals

by

by Wayne Spivak

In many coastal communities, lights in the sky after dusk are a rare sight. In other areas of the country, they are commonplace. But streaking lights always make people look twice. With the exception of the 1st of July or 24th of May, these streaking or arcing lights at night should make you sit up and take notice. They are probably a Visual Distress Signal (VDS), commonly referred to as an Aerial Flare.

Here are some guidelines for what to do should you see what you believe is a flare.

  1. Estimate the direction of the flare from where you are.
  2. Estimate the distance.
  3. Record the time of each flare sighting.
  4. Call the Coast Guard.
  5. Have your location ready.
  6. Have a description of the type and quality of the flare sighting:
    1. Did the reporting source see the flare both rise and fall?
    2. Rising only?
    3. Falling only?
    4. What were the rates of rising and falling (rapid rise and fall, rapid rise, slow fall, etc.)?
    5. Was the trajectory steep (mostly vertical) or flat (mostly horizontal)?
  7. Note the flare’s colour (red, orange, white).
  8. How long did the flare burn?
  9. Estimate the angle from you to the top of the flare’s trajectory. (This can be done by holding your fist at arm’s length, with your thumb on top and the bottom of your fist on the horizon, was the top of the trajectory above or below the top of your fist? The top of your fist is about 10° and each finger 2°. See the diagram below.)
Figure I-4a Fist Method for measuring flare angles above horizon
Figure I-4a Fist Method for measuring flare angles above horizon

The answers to these questions will aid the Coast Guard in calculating true distance and direction from your vantage point to the approximate position of the vessel in distress. Multiple sightings aid both you and the Coast Guard in pinpointing the exact location.

Wayne Spivak is an information officer with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. Similar guidelines apply in this country.

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Participation in Sea Kayaking Activities involves various risks, dangers and hazards including the risk of serious injury, paralysis or death. Sea Kayaking Activities often take place in remote wilderness locations, where assistance, medical and first aid services and evacuation may not be readily available, and communication may be difficult or not possible. The risks, dangers and hazards that may be encountered include, but are not limited to: accidents which occur during transportation or travel to and from the departure point; slips and falls while getting into or out of the boats; overturning of the boats; loss of balance; impact or collision with objects; cold water immersion; repetitive strain injuries; dislocated shoulders; hypothermia; drowning; changing and inclement weather conditions including storms, high wind, high waves, and lightning; encounters with domestic or wild animals; infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact; negligence on the part of other participants; and NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART THE RELEASEES. I UNDERSTAND THAT NEGLIGENCE INCLUDES FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES TO TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO SAFEGUARD OR PROTECT ME FROM OR WARN ME OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS OF PARTICIPATING IN SEA KAYAKING ACTIVITIES.

Please refer to the GLSKA Risk Management Strategy section of their website for further information regarding the risks, dangers and hazards that may be encountered during Sea Kayaking Activities.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS, ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT (hereinafter the "Release Agreement") BY ACCEPTING THIS DOCUMENT YOU WILL WAIVE OR GIVE UP CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE FOR NEGLIGENCE OR BREACH OF CONTRACT OR TO CLAIM COMPENSATION FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

I AM AWARE OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH PARTICIPATING IN SEA KAYAKING ACTIVITIES AND I FREELY ACCEPT AND FULLY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS AND THE POSSIBILITY OF PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR LOSS RESULTING THEREFROM.

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