Pyrotechnics and Visual Distress Signals

A compliant red rocket parachute flare fired vertically reaches at least 300 metres and burns bright red for at least 40 seconds, making it a long-range alerting signal. A compliant red hand flare burns for at least one minute and helps a known approaching rescuer pinpoint the casualty. A buoyant smoke signal emits highly visible smoke for at least three minutes in calm water and is primarily a daylight locating signal.

A white hand flare is not a recognised distress signal. It can warn another vessel of your presence or a collision risk, but it must not be mistaken for a red distress signal. Signal choice depends on day or night, visibility, whether help is already searching nearby and the vessel's actual carriage requirements.

Read the maker's instructions before an emergency, keep signals dry, accessible and in date, and fire them only when the emergency and chance of detection justify it. Performance figures describe the compliant product, not a guarantee that a particular observer will see it.

HM Coastguard stopped accepting unwanted flares from private individuals in January 2023. Use a confirmed third-party or take-back route such as a supplier, marina, liferaft service, local authority or suitable waste business. Never dismantle, test-fire or place unwanted pyrotechnics in ordinary waste.