PURSUIT OS 315 Owner's Manual download pdf (Page 68)

9-6

Section 9 Safety Equipment

OS 315

worn at all times when the vessel is under-

way. Throwable devices must be immedi-

ately available for use. All Pursuit boats

must be equipped with at least one Type I, II

or III PFD for each person onboard, plus one

throwable device (Type IV).

Visual Distress Signals

All Pursuit boats used on coastal waters, the

Great Lakes, territorial seas, and those

waters connected directly to them, must be

equipped with Coast Guard approved visual

distress signals. These signals are either

Pyrotechnic or Non-Pyrotechnic devices.

Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals

Pyrotechnic visual distress signals must be

Coast Guard approved, in serviceable condi-

tion and readily accessible. They are

marked with a date showing the service life,

which must not have expired. A minimum of

three are required. Some pyrotechnic sig-

nals meet both day and night use require-

ments. They should be stored in a cool, dry

location. They include;

• pyrotechnic red flares, hand held or

aerial.

• pyrotechnic orange smoke, hand-held or

floating.

• launchers for aerial red meteors or para-

chute flares.

Pyrotechnics are universally recognized as

excellent distress signals. However, there is

potential for injury and property damage if

not handled properly. These devices pro-

duce a very hot flame and the residue can

cause burns and ignite flammable material.

Pistol launched and hand-held parachute

flares and meteors have many characteris-

tics of a firearm and must be handled with

caution. In some states they are considered

a firearm and prohibited from use. Make

sure you are careful and follow the manufac-

turer's instructions when using pyrotechnic

distress signals.

Non-Pyrotechnic Devices

Non-Pyrotechnic visual distress signals

must be in serviceable condition, readily

accessible, and certified by the manufac-

turer as complying with U.S. Coast Guard

requirements. They include:

Orange Distress Flag, day use only.

The distress flag is a day signal only. It must

be at least 3 x 3 feet with a black square and

ball on an orange background. It is most dis-

tinctive when attached and waved from a

paddle or boat hook.

Electric Distress Light, night use only.

The electric distress light is accepted for

night use only and must automatically flash

the international SOS distress signal. Under

Inland Navigation Rules, a high intensity

white light flashing at regular intervals from

50-70 times per minute is considered a dis-

tress signal.

Sound Signaling Devices

The navigation rules require sound signals

to be made under certain circumstances.

Recreational vessels are also required to

sound fog signals during periods of reduced

visibility. Therefore, you must have some

means of making an efficient sound signal.

Navigation Lights

Recreational boats are required to display

navigation lights between sunset and sun-

rise and other periods of reduced visibility

(fog, rain, haze, etc.) Navigation lights are

intended to keep other vessels informed of

! WARNING

FIRE/EXPLOSION HAZARD

Pyrotechnic signaling devices can

cause fire and/or explosion, death,

serious injury and property damage if

misused. Follow the manufacturer’s

directions in the use of these signal-

ing devices.

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