Marine distress signals are used to attract attention in an emergency and to indicate a vessel’s or person’s position to other ships and rescue services. Red hand flares and parachute rockets provide conspicuous light signals, while orange smoke signals are primarily used for position marking in daylight. White hand flares and parachute rockets serve a different purpose, such as collision warning or illuminating an area. The type and quantity of signalling equipment required on board depend on the vessel, its operating area and the applicable carriage regulations.
TOPLICHT supplies pyrotechnic signals for different ranges and emergency situations. Parachute rockets rise to a greater height and can therefore be seen over longer distances, whereas hand flares are used for signalling and position marking at closer range. Floating orange smoke signals produce a visible smoke cloud for several minutes and can also indicate wind direction during rescue operations. For man-overboard situations, combined light and smoke signals are available for connection to a lifebuoy or rescue buoy, marking the casualty’s position by day and night.
Selected distress signals carry SOLAS, MED or other product-specific approvals. Pyrotechnic signals have a limited service life and must be replaced before their stated expiry. Purchase, storage and use are also subject to national regulations; some types of pyrotechnic signal may only be supplied to persons holding the required documentation or qualification.
