Meeting the USCG requirements (46 CFR 161.013), the ResQFlare is classified as an approved Night Visual Distress Signal. Given that a Distress Flag, meeting the requirements of 46 CFR 160.072, is included in the package with every ResQFlare, users are also provided with an approved Day Visual Distress Signal (the requirement for carriage of approved day and night visual distress signals can be found in 33 CFR part 175).
The supplied Distress Flag provides numerous daylight signaling options. The flag can be flown by attaching to the mast or simply hoisting to the highest possible point. It can also be displayed by hand, tied to, and then waved on items such as a boat hook, paddle, or fishing rod, or it can be laid flat on the deck to attract aircraft. The flag should be used only as a day signal and when displayed correctly, the black square should be over the black circle.
Having the ResQFlare and Distress Flag kit together allows boaters to forego the requirement for traditional pyrotechnic flares when on vessels up to 65’ in length, boating on the Great Lakes, within 12 miles of U.S. waters, or on any body of water with a passageway to the sea at least two miles wide. Vessels less than 16’ are not required to carry a Day Visual Distress Signal but must still carry a Night Visual Distress Signal. This makes the ResQFlare a more than viable alternative to pyrotechnic flares for vessels of this size as well.
The addition of the ResQFlare to ACR’s line of boating safety gear provides U.S. recreational boaters with a comprehensive distress signaling solution. When paired with an ACR EPIRB or Personal Locator Beacon, USCG rescue personnel not only know where you are within minutes but also have a visual reference light to come in on from up to 6 miles away.