What should you do if you see a distress signal but Cannot offer assistance?
What should you do if you see a distress signal but Cannot offer assistance?
So, if you see an accident, or a distress signal, you need to render assistance any way you can, as long as you can do so without endangering yourself, your passengers or your vessel. If you cannot help out safely, make sure to notify another boater who can as quickly as possible; and also notify the authorities.
How do you send a distress signal?
There is a “procedure” for sending out a distress call, but all you really need to know is to turn your VHF to Channel 16 and high power, key the mike by pressing the talk button, and say one of the three phrases three times, along with position and situation information.
What does a flare do?
A flare, also sometimes called a fusée, is a type of pyrotechnic that produces a bright light or intense heat without an explosion. Flares are used for distress signaling, illumination, or defensive countermeasures in civilian and military applications.
What is the first thing you do in a boat collision?
Step 1) Ensure that everyone is wearing a life jacket or PFD. Step 2) Visually and/or verbally confirm that all passengers are present and accounted for. Step 3) Determine if there are other craft in the vicinity that may offer assistance. Step 4) Determine if there is any danger of being hit by another boat.
What is a recognized distress signal flag?
The distress flag must be at least 3 x 3 feet with a black square and ball on an orange background. It is accepted as a day signal only and is especially effective in bright sunlight. The flag is most distinctive when waved on something such as a paddle or a boat hook or flown from a mast.
How do I initiate a DSC distress alert?
The DSC distress alert is transmitted as follows:
- tune the transmitter to the DSC distress channel (2 187.5 kHz on MF, channel 70 on VHF)
- if time permits, key in or select on the DSC equipment keyboard.
- transmit the DSC distress alert.