Section R. 281.3121 - Visual distress signalsRule 121.
(1) The owner of a vessel which operates on the Great Lakes and Lake St. Clair shall have aboard the vessel at least 1 option, from the following list, of coast guard-approved visual distress signals: | Number Options Required | Type Accepted |
| (a) 3 Hand-held red flare with manufacture | Day and night, date of October 1, 1980, or later. |
| (b) 3 Hand-held, rocket-propelled parachute | Day and night, red flare. |
| (c) 1 Orange flag distress signal for boats | Day only |
| 1 and electric distress light for boats. | Night only |
| (d) 3 Floating or hand-held orange smoke and | Day only |
| 1 electric distress light for boats | Night only |
| (e) 3 Floating or hand-held orange smoke and | Day only |
| option (a) or option (b). | Day and night |
| (f) 1 Orange distress flag for boats and | Day only |
| Option (a) or option (b) | Day and night |
(2) Non-approved hand-held pyrotechnic aerial red flares and pyrotechnic handheld or floating orange smoke is acceptable for meeting the requirements of this rule until July 1, 1982, if the devices remain in good and serviceable condition.(3) A person shall not display a visual distress signal on the waters of the state, except in an emergency.(4) A person shall not possess any pistol-type visual distress signal launching device commonly known as a flare gun.(5) Any coast guard-approved electric distress light for boats that activates automatically upon contact with the water and flashes S.O.S. is acceptable for meeting the nighttime requirements of this rule and the requirements of R 281.3202(4), R 281.3302(3), R 281.3404(3), and R 281.3503(4).(6) The owner of a vessel shall have aboard the vessel at least 1 portable battery-operated light (flashlight), powered by D-cells or larger-size batteries, which is in good and serviceable condition.Mich. Admin. Code R. 281.3121