Sasha V:
I’m not certain that I am wrong. Please direct me to your source of information regarding the use of White Flares 9etc).
White Handheld Signals:
These signals are intended to caution approaching vessels of your position, or to illuminate an area at night. They meet the same construction standards as the red flares, but are neither USCG nor SOLAS approved since there is no standard for white flares.
Most commonly used and recommended marine distress signals for meeting the Coast Guard visual distress signal requirements:
Red Parachute Flare - Accepted day or night use.
Approval Nos. 160.024 (1,2), 160.036, 160.066 (2,3)
Red Aerial Flare - Accepted day or night use.
Approval Nos. 160.066 (2,3)
Hand-Held Red Signal Flare - Accepted day or night use.
Approval Nos. 160.021 (2)
Hand-Held Orange Smoke Signal - Accepted day use only.
Approval Nos. 160.022 (2), 160.037, 160.057
3-Foot Square Orange Distress Flag - Accepted day use only.
Approval Nos. 160.072
1 These signals require use in combination with suitable launching device approved under 46 CFR 160.228
2 These signals meet U.S. Coast Guard day/night requirements for 42 months after date of manufacture. They must be replaced before expiration date printed in label/
3 These devices may be either self-contained or pistol launched and either aerial flare or parachute type. Some of these signals may require use in combination with a suitable launching device approved under 46 CFR 160.028.
COLREGS: ANNEX IV: INTERNATIONAL DISTRESS SIGNALS
1. The following signals, used or exhibited either together or separately, indicate distress and need of assistance:
(a) a gun or other explosive signal fired at intervals of about a minute;
(b) a continuous sounding with any fog-signaling apparatus;
(c) rockets or shells, throwing red stars fired one at a time at short intervals;
(d) a signal made by radiotelegraphy or by any other signaling method consisting of the group . . .- - -. . . (SOS) in the Morse Code;
(e) a signal sent by radiotelephony consisting of the spoken word "Mayday";
(f) the International Code Signal of distress indicated by N.C.;
(g) a signal consisting of a square flag having above or below it a ball or anything resembling a ball;
(h) flames on the vessel (as from a burning tar barrel, oil barrel, etc.);
(i) a rocket parachute flare or a hand flare showing a red light;
(j) a smoke signal giving off orange-colored smoke;
(k) slowly and repeatedly raising and lowering arms outstretched to each side;
(I) the radiotelegraph alarm signal;
(m) the radiotelephone alarm signal;
signals transmitted by emergency position-indicating radio beacons;
(o) approved signals transmitted by radiocommunication systems, including survival craft radar transponders.
2. The use or exhibition of any of the foregoing signals except for the purpose of indicating distress and need of assistance and the use of other signals which may be confused with any of the above signals is prohibited.
3. Attention is drawn to the relevant sections of the International Code of Signals, the Merchant Ship Search and Rescue Manual and the following signals:
(a) a piece of orange-colored canvas with either a black square and circle or other appropriate symbol (for identification from the air);
(b) a dye marker.
Note the conspicuous absence of WHITE Flares from either convention.
I’ll admit that I’m not expert on this subject, and would appreciate direction to any authority describing the proper & legal use of White (or Green) Signal Flares.
I’ll also admit that in an emergency - yah gotta do what yah gotta do. White flares may be one more "good" thing in your kit, but I don''t think they''re "legal & proper" (as originally asked)...
Respectfully,
Gord