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Safety - Distress Signals in Life Threatening Situations

There are some important distress signals you need to know, if you find yourself in a life threatening situation on the water.

Use one of the following;

Radio

Use Channel 16 on your VHF radio to call MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY. Give the name of your boat and your call sign, then give your position and details of your distress.

In an emergency situation you do not have to have an operator's qualification to use a VHF radio. Make sure all your passengers know how to use the radio in case of emergency.

Radio Photo

Emergency Locater Beacons

Switch on your beacon and the satellite will relay your distress signal and position to the National Rescue Co-ordination Centre. Keep it switched on until help arrives.

Regularly check the expiry date of the battery in your beacon, and replace on expiry.

In March 2009, locater beacons will transfer to the frequency 406 mHz and the 121.5 mHz beacons will no longer be monitored by satellite.

To carry out a live test of your 406 EPIRB or locater beacon, contact the Rescue Co-ordination Centre (RCCNZ) at least 72 hours in advance. Phone RCCNZ (24 hours): 0508 472 269

If you have activated your EPIRB inadvertently, phone RCCNZ immediately, or call Maritime Radio on VHF Channel 16. There is no charge for an inadvertent EPIRB activation if the report is made as soon as the activation is discovered.

Lights

Send an SOS ( ... --- ... ) by any signal method such as light or sound.

Cellphones

Call 111 and ask for the Police. Give your position, and cellphone number so that you can be called if further information is needed by rescue services.

Keep your cellphone in a sealed plastic bag or purpose-made waterproof container so it will not be put out of action in a capsize or swamping. Use it in the plastic bag.

Make sure the battery is always fully charged and carry spare batteries. If you rely on your cellphone for safety, do not use it for other calls to conserve the battery.

Distress Flares

These are vital items. Regularly check the expiry date on your flares, and replace them.

There are three common types available.

Orange Smoke

Effective as a line of sight distress signal for daytime use only.

Flare Photo

Red - Hand Held

Effective as a line of sight distress signal, with a good visibility range. Very visible from aircraft this flare burns for up to 60 seconds.

Red Parachute

Capable of attracting attention in daylight for up to 10 miles. Night time range is up to 40 miles. The rocket launches the flare up to 300 metres. The flare burns for 40-60 seconds as it slowly descends under the parachute.

Always hold a flare outside the boat when firing. Never fire into the wind - always down wind, preferably at a 15-20 degree angle off vertical.

In an emergency, fire one flare as soon as you realise you are in distress. Keep other flares until you need to attract the attention of searchers.

Familiarise yourself with the firing instructions on each type of flare before you need them. You will not be able to read the instructions in the dark.

Misuse of any distress signal can result in substantial penalties.

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