Marine flares are listed under two categories: united states coast guard (uscg) approved flares, and safety of life at sea (solas) which meet minimum international requirements but are not certified in the united states. uscg approved flares are required for recreational boats when used on u.s. ( a type v pfd may be used in lieu of any wearable pfd if approved for the activity in which the boat is being used. a type v hybrid must be worn to be legal.) check state laws for pfd wearing requirements for children and for certain water craft and sports.. Flares are a visual distress signal, and as such are required on manually propelled boats and open sailboats less than 26 feet in length and with no engines. flares are also required on recreational vessels less than 16 feet long, as well as any boat taking part in a parade, regatta, race or other event..
U.s. coast guard on visual distress signal requirements what is the requirement and where does it apply? visual distress signals must be carried on all boats which are operated on the high seas, coastal waters (including the great lakes), the territorial seas and all waters directly connected to the great lakes or the territorial seas up to a point where the waters are less than two miles wide.. The ws requires many more flares than uscg minimum requirements, all of which must meet solas requirements. we advise offshore fishing vessels, cruisers, and any vessel that operates in open water to use the ws guidelines for distress signals.. Flares and distress signals visual distress signals (v.d.s.) are part of your boat's safety equipment. check them before you leave harbor for condition and if they have an expiration date, be sure they are current..
