Intro to Sea Survival | Life Rafts | Provisioning
Provisioning (cont.): Signaling Provisions
There are several types of signaling devices that should be included in basic provisions, but opinions vary as to quantities. Research has shown that literally hours worth of signaling time might be required. For this reason, a supply of signaling devices that will last only 15 to 20 minutes might not be realistic.
The decision as to how much of each item to include will be influenced by available space, budget, and priority evaluations. Weigh decisions objectively and reach a balance that will fit your particular situation without compromising your safety. It is important to allow for both the malfunction and loss of vital equipment. In emergency situations this happens all too often.
Personal Safety Pack. You can wear a small “safety pack” on your belt while aboard your vessel. Unlike a life jacket, which is typically worn only during bad weather and on night watches, you should wear the safety pack at all times. The contents are greatly restricted by size, and mainly includes signals with “locating” capabilities for the man-overboard situation. It is usually equipped with the following:
- Plastic signal whistle
- Dye pack
- Signal mirror
- Small waterproof light (chemical light)
Personal Flotation Device Equipment. The following is a list of suggested signaling devices that can be secured by tape to each personal flotation device (PFD) for use in an emergency (see image below):
- One orange smoke flare, daytime use
- One red night flare
- Plastic whistle (on lanyard near the head area and usable without having to untie it)
- Water activated light (preferably a strobe)
- Reflective tape, attached to the PFD around the neck and shoulder area
- A small, light, radio beacon
Life Raft. Signaling stores for a life raft should be capable of floating and have a quick fastening lanyard so they can be attached to the raft as quickly as possible in an emergency. Lanyards with snap shackles, for example, would be excellent to use. Also, a small and sturdy plastic box, if wrapped in plastic or sealed with duct tape, would be waterproof and possibly capable of floating.
Following is a suggested list of signaling stores for a life raft (Quantities listed are recommended minimums and should be increased whenever conditions permit):
- 6 to 9 long-burning orange smoke flares
- 6 to 9 red night flares
- 6 to 8 bottles or packets of dye marker
- 2 signal mirrors on lanyards (at least one of metal construction)
- 2 plastic whistles with lanyards
- 1 aerial flare kit (preferably large-caliber pistol type) with a reasonable supply of flares for the kit)
- Emergency Position Indicator Radio Beacon (EPIRB) radio locator beacon
Above: One example of a PFD, Personal Flotation Device. (from Switlik Fastnet
Crew Vest.)
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