Ways to signal distress
Here you can find some of the internationally recognised signals that indicate distress and a vessel in need of assistance.
Use of these signals except for the purpose of indicating distress is prohibited.
| Description | Signal |
|---|---|
| Rockets or shells, throwing red stars fired one at a time at short intervals. |  |
| A smoke signal giving off orange-coloured smoke |  |
| Slowly and repeatedly raising and lowering arms outstretched to each side. |  |
A rectangle of the internationally accepted colour orange material with a black letter V A black square and circle |
|
A square flag having above or below it a ball or anything resembling a ball. |
|
The international Code Signal of Distress indicated by NC. |
|
A rocket parachute flare or a hand-held flare showing a red light. See using distress flares. |
|
A signal made by any light or sound signalling method consisting of the group in the Morse Code - SOS. A signal sent by radio consisting of the spoken word "mayday". See using marine radio. |
|
Activating an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB). See using distress beacons. |  |
