Flares
Ensure you carry the required flares for your vessel and know how to use them.
Many recreational vessels are required to carry two hand-held red distress flares and two hand-held orange smoke signal flares, of an approved type, when operating on coastal and enclosed waters.
Hand held orange smoke signals
These can be seen for up to 4km (10km by aircraft). They should be used in daylight to pinpoint your position. They must comply with Australian Standard AS 2092 "Pyrotechnic marine distress flares and signals for pleasure craft".
Hand held red distress flares
These have a visibility range of 10km, are designed for use at night but can also be seen during the day. They must comply with Australian Standard AS 2092 "Pyrotechnic marine distress flares and signals for pleasure craft".
Red star parachute distress rocket
These are designed to fire a single red star to a height of approximately 300m. The star burns while falling for at least 40 seconds and can be seen from the greatest distance due to its intensity and elevation from sea level.
When operating more than 2 nm offshore in coastal waters, a mechanically or sailed powered vessel must carry one red star parachute rocket flare.