Catalina Owner's Manual - Chris Craft

Safety and Operations
Visual Distress Signals
As the owner/operator, you are responsible for any visual distress requirements (signals) that you may be
required to carry. It is the owner/operator’s responsibility to provide proper storage, understand how to
handle, and know how to dispose of these devices. These requirements can be found at:
http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/fedreqs/equ_vds.htm
There are two types of Visual Distress Signals in use:
• Pyrotechnic type
• Non-Pyrotechnic type
Table 2-6 lists the types of Visual Distress Signals available which are Coast Guard approved.
Table 2-6. Visual Distress Signals
Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals
Description Use CG Approval Number
Hand-Held Flare Day/Night 160.021
Floating Orange Smoke Day Only 160.022
Pistol Parachute Red Flare Day/Night 160.024
Hand-Held Parachute Red Flare Day/Night 160.036
Hand-Held Orange Smoke Day Only 160.037
Floating Orange Smoke Day Only 160.057
Red Aerial Pyrotechnic Flare Day/Night 160.066
Non-Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals
Distress Flag Day Only 160.072
Electric SOS Distress Light Night Only 161.013
Storage
Store all VDS devices in a cool, dry place. Ensure they are protected from children, rain, sea spray, and
high humidity. By law these devices must be readily accessible, where they can be reach quickly regardless
of the operating conditions.
Disposal
Pyrotechnics are valid for 42 months from date of manufacture. Each pyrotechnic has a date stamp indicating
its expiration date. Any VDS that is damaged or wet may not perform in the intended manner, posing a
hazard to the user and must be disposed of. To dispose of expired or damaged pyrotechnics, contact the
nearest law enforcement agency or fire department.
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