DISTRESS SIGNALS
Distress Signals
ANNEX IV of the International Regulations for
Preventing Collision at Sea contains details of
the International Distress Signals
Distress Signals
a) a gun or other explosive signal fired at
intervals of about a minute;
Distress Signals
(b) a continuous sounding with any fogsignalling apparatus;
Distress Signals
(c) rockets or shells, throwing red stars fired
one at a time at short intervals;
2 Star Red Rocket
Distress Signals
(d) a signal made by radiotelegraphy or by any
other signalling method consisting of the group
...---... (SOS) in the Morse Code;
Distress Signals
(e) a signal sent by radiotelephony consisting of
the spoken word "Mayday";
Distress Signals
(f) the International Code Signal of distress
indicated by N.C.;
Distress Signals
(g) a signal consisting of a square flag having
above or below it a ball or anything resembling
a ball;
Distress Signals
(h) flames on the vessel (as from a burning tar
barrel, oil barrel, etc.);
Distress Signals
(i) a rocket parachute flare or a hand flare
showing a red light;
Parachute Red Rocket
Pyrotechnics
Miniflare 3
Red Hand Flare
Distress Signals
(j) a smoke signal giving off orange-coloured
smoke;
Smoke Float
Distress Signals
(k) slowly and repeatedly raising and lowering
arms outstretched to each side;
Distress Signals
(l) the radiotelegraph alarm signal;
Vessels in distress may use the radiotelegraph alarm
signal or the radiotelephone alarm signal to secure
attention to distress calls and messages. The
radiotelegraph alarm signal, which is designed to
actuate the radiotelegraph auto alarms of vessels so
fitted, consists of a series of 12 dashes sent in 1 minute.
Distress Signals
(m) the radiotelephone alarm signal;
This signal consists of two audio tones transmitted
alternatively on the distress frequency 2182 kHz. This
signal is similar in sound to a two-tone siren used by
some ambulances. When generated by automated
means, it shall be sent continuously as practicable over
a period of not less than 30 seconds nor more than 1
minute.
Distress Signals
(n) signals transmitted by emergency positionindicating radio beacons;
Distress Signals
(o) approved signals transmitted
by radiocommunication systems
including survival craft
transponders.
The SOS 406 EPIRB satellite distress
beacon designed to operate in conjunction
with the COSPAS-SARSAT
SART
Locating Function
Distress Signals
2. The use or exhibition of any of the foregoing
signals except for the purpose of indicating
distress and need of assistance and the use of
other signals which may be confused with any
of the above signals is prohibited.
Distress Signals
3. Attention is drawn to the relevant sections of
the International Code of Signals, the Merchant
Ship Search and Rescue Manual and the
following signals:
Distress Signals
(a) a piece of orange canvas with either a black
square and circle or other symbol appropriate
for identification from the air; and
Distress Signals
(b) a dye marker.
Distress Signals
Canadian Modifications
4. In Canadian waters or fishing zones, in
addition to the signals described in section 1,
the following signals may be used or exhibited
either together or separately to indicate distress
and need of assistance:
Distress Signals
Canadian Modifications
(a) a square shape or anything resembling a
square shape; and
(b) a high intensity white light flashing at regular
intervals of 50 to 70 times per minute.
Distress Signals
The following signals, used or exhibited either
together or separately, indicate distress and
need of assistance:
Dual Frequency Personal Locator Beacons
MCM 330 & SOS Rescue B
Day & Night Signal
Other Pyrotechnics
Illuminating Flares
The following signals are not distress signals
Para Illuminating Rocket
White Collision Handflare
Line Throwing Apparatus
This is carried by
commercial ships. It is a
rocket which carries a
messenger rope to shore
rescue authorities to send up
breeches buoy to evacuate
crew.