Flares on the Lake.
Dear itchin:
When we teach our course (need one?) we set two standards. One for the CG and one for NH.
The CG will require a minimum of three day and night VDS signals that are CG approved and in date.
For NH inland waters to get the "Safety Decal" you must show a means of making an " adequate day and night signal". A lot is left to the inspectors disgression.
For me, I like waveing a type II PFD on a boat hook or a oar for a day signal. It works.
For an adequate night signal A flash light will do. I do not prefer Q-beams because about 1/3 of our calls for assistance are for electrical problems.
I also giive a warning about pyrotecnics. Flare guns and flare pens (little flares that fit in your pocket). They work great but remember, you now have a live gun on board. If you load the 12 or 20MM shell into the pistol and pull the trigger that baby is going to go off with a bang. Any kids on board?
The flare pens scare me even more. They don't even look like a gun. Some one who is not familiar with them could fire the thing with it aiming at themselves! Spooky.
Remember when using hand held flares use marine flares only! Road flares are not designed to be held in the hand. Marine flares are. And when you ignite it hold the thing over the leeward side of the boat over the water. The stuff that drips off of the flare is the hottest thing on earth and will burn what ever it lands on.
Hope this helps.
Misty
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