Chapter III – Visual Signals

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3.1 Pyrotechnic Distress Signals

Information note

Standards for pyrotechnic distress signals are in Chapter III of the LSA Code with the following Canadian modifications.

3.1.1 Canadian modifications

3.1.1.1 Every pyrotechnic distress signal is permanently marked with the month and year of manufacture, as well as its lot number, on its casing.

3.1.1.2 The instructions for operating a pyrotechnic distress signal are to be permanently marked on its casing or the signal is to carry a diagram clearly showing the manner of operating the signal.

3.1.2 Rocket Parachute Flares

Information note

The standard for rocket parachute flares is found in Chapter III of the LSA Code and the Canadian modifications set out in 3.1.1 above.

3.1.3 Hand flares

Information note

The standard for hand flares is found in Chapter III of the LSA Code and the Canadian modifications set out in 3.1.1 above with the following Canadian modifications.

3.1.3.1 For non SOLAS hand flares subsections 3.2.2.2 and 3.2.2.3 of Chapter III of the LSA Code are replaced by the following:

  1. The hand flare shall be capable of producing a bright red light having a luminosity of not less than 500 cd for a period of at least 2 min.

3.1.4 Buoyant smoke signals

Information note

The standard for buoyant smoke signals is found in Chapter III of the LSA Code and the Canadian modifications set out in 3.1.1 above.

3.1.5 Hand smoke signal

Information note

The standard for hand held smoke signals is found in subpart 160.037 of title 46, Ch. 1, of the Code of Federal Regulations of the United States, as amended, and the Canadian modifications set out in 3.1.1 above.

The Code of Federal Regulations of the United States shall be read without reference to “satisfactory to the Commandant” and “accepted by the Commandant under §159.010 of this chapter”.

3.1.6 Multi star flares

3.1.6.1 A multi star flare has to meet 3.1.1 and be capable of producing, in rapid succession, and at intervals not greater than 15 seconds, two or more red stars.

3.1.6.2 Where a visual signal produces only a single red star within the 15 second interval required, but meets the requirements of multi star flares in all other respects, the visual signal or its package is to be clearly marked to indicate that the two devices are required to be projected within the 15 seconds in order to meet the requirements of multi star flares.

3.1.6.3 A multi star flare must:

  1. contain a firing device capable of throwing the stars automatically; or
  2. be provided with a cartridge-firing device that requires loading for each signal.

3.1.6.4 Where a multi star flare contains a cartridge-firing device, a sufficient number of cartridges to produce the number of signals required by the regulations is to be included.

3.1.6.5 A multi star flare visual signal, including the firing device and the cartridges, if any, are to be packed in a waterproof container.

3.1.6.6 Each star of a multi star flare:

  1. is to burn with a bright red colour with a luminosity of not less than 10 000 candela for a period of not less than 5.5 seconds: be capable of being projected to an altitude of not less than 60 metres;, and burn out before touching the sea, or
  2. is to burn with a bright red colour with a luminosity of not less than 5 000 candela for a period not less than 4 seconds, be capable of being projected to an altitude of not less than 90 metres, , and burn out before touching the sea.

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