2013 New York Safe Boating Textbook - (Page 17)

EQUIPMENT colored flames. Non-pyrotechnic visual distress signals do not burn. Each type of distress signal has distinct advantages and disadvantages, and no single device is ideal under all conditions or suitable for all purposes. Pyrotechnic devices include meteor or parachute flares (which are launched into the air), hand-held flares, and handheld and floating devices that produce smoke. Pyrotechnic devices are excellent distress signals because they are visible from a distance and easy to recognize. However, they produce a very hot flame and can cause burns and ignite flammable materials, so you must exercise caution when using and storing them. These devices generate hot slag as they burn, so when you use hand-held devices you must hold them well overboard to prevent the boat from catching fire. Pyrotechnic devices are not right for every boater. Some of these devices have similarities to firearms and must be handled accordingly. New York State does not consider a pistol style launcher for pyrotechnic distress signals a firearm. When travelling to another state or country find out if boaters are allowed to have pistol style launchers on board. Never leave a pyrotechnic shell in the launcher. A curious person may get hurt. Pyrotechnic devices carry an expiration date, and if your devices are expired, they don’t count toward the minimum carry requirement discussed below. When buying pyrotechnic visual distress equipment always check the expiration date. Store your pyrotechnic devices in a cool, dry location. We suggest a watertight container painted red or orange and clearly marked “DISTRESS SIGNALS” or “FLARES.” 17 NEVER USE ROAD FLARES ON YOUR BOAT! ROAD FLARES DON’T HAVE A HAND GRIP, AND MAY CAUSE FIRES OR INJURY! ROAD FLARES ARE NOT USCG APPROVED. Non-Pyrotechnic Devices include flags and electric distress lights. These must be US Coast Guard Approved. For daytime, the distress signal is a 3 foot by 3 foot flag with a black square and ball on an orange background. For nighttime, an electric distress light automatically flashes the international distress signal-SOS. Carry requirements Who has to carry VDS? During the daytime, regardless of the distance from shore, any pleasure boat 16 feet or longer, except sailboats less than 26 feet not equipped with mechanical power, must carry day and night signals. PWC are required to carry a fluorescent-orange distress flag which shall be a minimum of one foot square or other appropriate USCG approved daytime VDS. All boats, except rowboats, canoes, and kayaks, regardless of size must have nighttime signals between sunset and sunrise. The signal requirements do not apply if the boat is participating in an organized race, parade or regatta. If you use only pyrotechnic signals, you must have at least three that are approved for day and three that are approved for night. You may use a combination of devices approved for both day and night to meet this requirement. 

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2013 New York Safe Boating Textbook

2013 New York Safe Boating Textbook
Contents
Introduction
Boats and Motors
Registration of Boats
Equipment
Fueling and Ventilation
Safe Loading and Powering
Preparation for Getting Underway
The Marine Environment
Rules of the Road
Boat Operations
Seamanship
Navigation
Personal Watercraft
Boating Related Activities
Accidents and Emergencies
Frequently Asked Questions
Chapter Review Questions Answers

2013 New York Safe Boating Textbook

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