Code of Federal Regulations Title 46. Shipping § 46.28.145 Distress signals

Ocean, more than 50 miles from coastline

3 parachute flares, approval series 160.136; plus 6 hand flares, approval series 160.121; plus 3 smoke signals, approval series 160.122.

Ocean, 3-50 miles from the coastline; or more than 3 miles from the coastline on the Great Lakes

3 parachute flares, approval series 160.136, or 160.036; plus 6 hand flares, approval series 160.121 or 160.021; plus 3 smoke signals, approval series 160.122, 160.022, or 160.037.

Coastal waters, excluding the Great Lakes; or within 3 miles of the coastline on the Great Lakes

Night visual distress signals consisting of one electric distress light, approval series 161.013 or 3 approved flares; plus Day visual distress signals consisting of one distress flag, approval series 160.072, or 3 approved flares, or 3 approved smoke signals.¹