Flares should be kept in a waterproof container in an easily accessible location such as a cockpit locker. There are several types of flare for different purposes:
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.
- Lasts approx 1 minute.
Orange smoke distress flares:
- Use as a line of sight distress signal for daytime use only.
- Handheld and Floating canister versions, which last approx 3 minutes.
Red parachute or rocket flares:
- Use for long range distress signaling.
- Up to 10 miles in daylight, 40 miles at night.
- Height 300m if fired vertically.
- Fire at 45º downwind in low cloud or strong winds.
- Lasts less than 1 minute.
White Handheld:
- Use to signal your position at night if there is a risk of collision.
- Hold with arms outstretched.
- Point downwind.
- Don’t look at flare.
- Lasts approx 1 minute.