Module 18 - Signals & Communications
Visual Distress Signals
What you will learn
Select a recognised visual distress signal for long-range alerting or close locating, while keeping pyrotechnic handling and communication limits visible.
Visual signals help another vessel or aircraft detect and then locate a casualty. Their range, visibility and hazards differ, so they supplement rather than replace radio, beacon and immediate survival actions.
Visual distress signals support radio and electronic alerting. Red parachute rockets are long-range distress signals; red hand flares help rescuers pinpoint the vessel at closer range. Orange smoke is a daytime locating signal. White hand flares attract another vessel's attention, for example to prevent collision, and are not distress signals.
The international distress signal N over C is made with two International Code flags: November above Charlie. Other recognised distress signals include flames on the vessel, continuous sounding of a fog signal, a square flag with a ball above or below it, slowly raising and lowering outstretched arms, and SOS by light or sound.
| Signal | Primary teaching use | Boundary |
|---|---|---|
| Red parachute flare | Long-range distress alert | Visibility, safe firing and device instructions still matter |
| Red hand flare | Short-range pinpointing | Burning dross and fuel hazards require control |
| Orange smoke | Daylight locating, especially to aircraft | Not a night signal |
| White hand flare | Attract attention/collision warning | Not a distress flare |
Move from alerting to precise location
A rescue asset is approaching a disabled yacht in daylight. The yacht has red parachute flares, red hand flares and orange smoke, and fuel has leaked near the cockpit.
1. Confirm need and stage
Use the long-range signal when an asset still needs alerting; use a locating signal when help is close enough to use it.
2. Choose for conditions
Orange smoke is a daylight locator; red hand flare is short-range; a red parachute flare is long-range.
3. Control the hazard
Follow the exact device instructions, account for wind and burning material, and do not ignite a pyrotechnic beside leaked fuel.
Sense check: The chosen signal helps the known rescuer at the present distance without creating a new fire or injury risk.
Common mistake or limitation
- A white hand flare is used to attract attention, for example to prevent collision; it is not an Annex IV distress flare.
- Orange smoke is a daylight locating signal and its performance depends on visibility and wind.
- Do not fire a pyrotechnic merely because it is carried; match it to the response stage and follow its instructions.
- Visual detection does not prove the Coastguard has the casualty's identity, position, people or medical needs.
Recap
- Red parachute flare — long-range distress alert.
- Red hand flare — short-range distress and precise locating.
- Orange smoke — daylight locating signal, particularly useful to aircraft.
- N over C, SOS and other Annex IV signals also indicate distress and need of assistance.
Optional quick check
Section 6 of 18
A rescue helicopter has the yacht in sight by day but needs a clear wind-indicating location cue. Which carried signal is most useful?
Sources and factual review
Reviewed 20 August 2026 - Compass Revision editorial review.
Continue studying Signals & Communications
This public lesson is part of Revision Module 18. Full revision access adds the guided Learn, Practise and Test flow, flashcards and revision progress.