250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-80-00-1.13

Current through December 26, 2024

Section 250-RICR-80-00-1.13 - Visual Distress Signals

A. Applicability

This section applies to all vessels used on the coastal waters of this state.

B. Classification of Visual Distress Signals

A visual distress signal is a device approved by the United States Coast Guard under 46 C.F.R. §§ 160 and 161, incorporated above at § 1.4(D) of this Part. The Federal Requirements for visual distress signals are located in 33 C.F.R. § 175, incorporated above at § 1.4(B) of this Part.

C. Visual Distress Signal Requirements

1. No person shall use a vessel 16 feet (4.9 meters) or more in length unless visual distress signals selected from § 1.13 of this Part, in the number required, are on board. Devices suitable for day use and for night use, or combination devices designed for both day and night use must be carried.

2. No person may use a vessel less than 16 feet (4.9 meters) in length, between sunset and sunrise, unless visual distress signals suitable for night use, selected from § 1.13 of this Part in the number required, are on board.

3. When a visual distress signal carried to meet these regulations requires a launcher, a launcher approved by the U.S. Coast Guard under 46 C.F.R. § 160.028, incorporated above at § 1.4(D) of this Part is required.

D. Exemptions

1. The following persons need not comply with § 1.13(C) of this Part; however, each must carry on board visual distress signals suitable for night use, selected from § 1.13 of this Part in the number required, between sunset and sunrise:

2. Racing shells, rowing skulls, racing kayaks and any vessel engaged in a sanctioned regatta, race or a practice held within 48 hours of the sanctioned event.

3. A sailboat of completely open construction not equipped with propulsion machinery, under 26 feet (7.9 meters) in length.

E. Stowage

No person may use a vessel unless the required visual distress signals are readily accessible.

F. Serviceability

No person may use a vessel unless each required signal is in serviceable condition and the service life, indicated by a date marked on the signal, has not expired. Expired signals may be carried as extra equipment, but cannot be counted toward the visual distress requirement.

G. Marking

No person may use a vessel unless each signal required is legibly marked with the U.S. Coast Guard approval number or certification statement as specified in 46 C.F.R. §§ 160 and 161, incorporated above at § 1.4(D) of this Part.

H. Prohibited Use

No person in a vessel shall display a visual distress signal on waters to which these regulations apply under any circumstance except a situation where assistance is needed because of immediate or potential danger to the persons on board.

1.13.1Table - Visual Distress Signals Required

Approval Number	Device Description	Requirements	Required
46 C.F.R. & §160.021	Hand-Held Red Flare Distress Signal	Day/Night	3
46 C.F.R. & §160.022	Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signal	Day Only	3
46 C.F.R. & §160.024	Parachute Red Flare Distress Signal (these signals require use in combination with a suitable launching device approved by the U.S. Coast Guard under 46 C.F.R. & §160.028).	Day/Night	3
46 C.F.R. & §160.036	Hand-Held Rocket-Propelled Parachute Red Flare Distress Signal	Day/Night	3
46 C.F.R. & §160.037	Hand-Held Orange Smoke Distress Signal	Day Only	3
46 C.F.R. & §160.057	Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signal	Day Only	3
46 C.F.R. & §160.066	Distress Signal For Boats, Red Aerial Pyrotechnic Flare (these devices may be either meteor or parachute assisted types. Some of these signals may require use in combination with a suitable launching device approved by the U.S. Coast Guard under 46 C.F.R. & §160.028).	Day/Night	3

250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-80-00-1.13

Amended effective 4/2/2023