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Instructions for DECKEE models including: Red Handflare Flares and Distress Signals, Handflare Flares and Distress Signals, Flares and Distress Signals, Distress Signals
Safety Lifebuoys & Lights
Safety Signaling & Lifebuoys
File Info : application/pdf, 2 Pages, 2.67MB
DocumentDocumentGovernment of Western Australia Department of Transport Safety Equipment Flares and Distress Signals Marine Safety Using flares Flares are best used when you believe there is chance of it being seen. The firing instructions are always printed on the flare, and you should be familiar with your flare's method. Hand-held red flares, especially, burn very hot and may spill glowing embers. Hold it downwind so that embers don't spill into the vessel and point it downwards while in your hand to avoid being burnt. If you see a flare, contact the Water Police or phone 000 to report it. Flares should always be readily accessible: · stored in a waterproof container (marked with the registration number of your boat); · in a place where they don't receive too much pounding in rough conditions; · away from dampness; and · away from heat sources above 600C. Expiry dates Flares must be within the expiry date and maintained in serviceable condition at all times. Check them regularly to ensure they have not been rendered unserviceable by exposure to moisture. Mildew or bubbling of paper coatings may indicate this. Contact details Department of Transport Email: Ed.Boat@transport.wa.gov.au Website: www.transport.wa.gov.au/imarine Marine Safety Hotline: 13 11 56 Police Emergency: 000 Water Police: 9442 8600 Boating Weather Forecasts Boating weather: 1300 815 916 Website: www.bom.gov.au August 2023 Safety equipment needs to be readily accessible. Flares need to be in date. Disposal Do not discard unserviceable or out of date flares in general rubbish collections or land fill. Visit the DoT website www.transport.wa.gov.au/flares for disposal locations. Unauthorised use of flares There are severe penalties for the improper use of flares. Flares have a very serious purpose. Falsely indicating distress rightly carries a severe penalty, but it also wastes a lot of time and resources possibly weakening the ability to respond to a genuine emergency. Do not leave flares in your vessel when it is not in use, and keep them away from children. Boating in WA just got smarter. Download the free Deckee app. anywhere, anytime! Save time and go online today Join us at facebook.com/MarineSafetyWA For further information go to www.transport.wa.gov.au/boatingguides or scan the QR Code The information contained in this publication is provided in good faith and believed to be accurate at time of publication. The State shall in no way be liable for any loss sustained or incurred by anyone relying on the information. 03-03-SE-SER-0524 All registrable and non-registrable vessels operating more than 400 metres from the shore in unprotected waters in WA must carry visual distress signals. Visual distress signals Types of visual distress signals Orange smoke flares These are designed for day use only and have no luminosity. They emit a cloud of orange smoke. Orange hand held flares burn for about 60 seconds. The potential sighting range by day is 4 kilometres, although this can drop to less than 1 kilometre in a fresh breeze. These flares are especially visible from search aircraft, even on windy days. Red hand-held flares These are designed for use both night and day and burn for about 45 seconds. Potential sighting range at night is 1012 kilometres and about 46 kilometres during the day. Electronic visual distress signal These are water resistant light sources, which are able to be detected at night by rescuers responding to an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) activation. The role of an Electronic Visual Distress Signal (EVDS) is to assist a rescue once searchers are in the general vicinity of an EPIRB or PLB signal. An EVDS may be carried in lieu of flares IF a GPS enabled EPIRB or PLB (must be worn) is also carried. In choosing your EVDS ensure they meet the standards found on the DoT website. Advantages over pyrotechnic flares include, no burning flame, easy to operate, buoyant and a one-time purchase. EVDS provide 360 degree visibility and can operate for up to 20 hours increasing your chance of survival and rescue. Batteries need to be replaced annually. Visual distress signal requirements Registrable vessel: Vessels including sailing vessels that are or can be propelled by mechanical power. Non-Registrable vessel: Tenders and sailing dinghies. PROTECTED WATERS Includes rivers, lakes, estuaries, harbours and waters within 400 metres from the shore in unprotected water but excludes the Cambridge Gulf and Lake Argyle. Registrable Vessels Non-registrable Vessels UNPROTECTED WATERS Beyond 400 metres from the shore. Registrable Non-registrable Vessels Vessels Red and Orange Flares (in-date) At least two hand held red flares and two hand held orange flares must be carried. OR Electronic Visual Distress Signal An electronic signalling device may be carried in lieu of flares IF a GPS enabled EPIRB or PLB (must be worn) is also carried. RECOMMENDED RECOMMENDED Visual distress signal characteristics Type Suitable use · Day use only · No luminosity Orange smoke flares · Orange cloud of smoke · Especially visible from search aircraft Red hand-held flares · Night and day Burn time Sighting range potential 60 seconds Day: 4 km Note: less that 1 km in a fresh breeze 45 seconds Day: 4-6 km Night: 10-12 km EVDS white flashing light · Night and day · Assists rescuers once they are in the general vicinity of an EPIRB or PLB signal. 20 hours Day: up to 1 km Night: up to 10 km