Flares for boats are crucial safety equipment, primarily falling into two categories:
pyrotechnic flares (traditional, single-use) and electronic visual distress signals (eVDSDs) (reusable, long-lasting LED lights). The type and quantity required often depend on how far offshore you plan to travel.Â
Pyrotechnic Flares
Pyrotechnic flares are traditional, explosive-based signals that offer high intensity light or dense smoke for a limited time.Â
Red Parachute Rocket Flares
Description: These are long-range distress signals that eject a bright red flare on a parachute to a height of around 300 meters (approx. 984 feet), visible for many miles.
Use Case: Best for indicating general distress over a wide area, day or night. They burn for approximately 40 seconds at 30,000 candela.
Example Products: Hansson Ikaros Red Parachute Rocket Flare - MCA
Red Handheld Flares
Description: These are short-range signals producing a bright red flame for about 60 seconds.
Use Case: Ideal for pinpointing your exact location to a nearby rescuer (vessel or helicopter) who is already in sight.
Example Products: Hansson Ikaros Handheld Flare
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Orange Smoke Signals
Description: These produce a dense orange smoke cloud, either from a handheld or a buoyant, floating canister.
Use Case: Exclusively for daytime use, they are particularly effective for signaling to aircraft and helping them determine wind direction during a rescue.
Example Products: Hansson Ikaros Orange Handsmoke Flare
