Improving your chances

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 28, 9 December 1986, Page 16

Improving your chances

People drifting helplessly in a boat are often able to listen to details of the search on a transistor radio. Though it may be a comfort to hear there is a search being mounted, it is frustrating not to be able to let anyone know where you are, especially when a search plane passes overhead. Even though your boat may be highly visible it may also be difficult to spot through fog and sea spray. Don't refrain from asking for help from other boaties. Parachute flares can be seen for up to 60 kilometres, and even hand-held or orange smoke flares can mean a much shorter time before being rescued. Search and rescue workers say many of their missions would be simple affairs if boaties were not so slow to realise the seriousness of their position and put off using a distress signal until it was a 'matter of life and death'. They say while it is not easy to make the decision on whether a rescue is needed or land can be reached unaided. it is easier on the rescuers if a signal is used as soon as possible if there is any doubt about the ability to get ashore. Too many rescues have to be carried out after dark, or after the wind has blown the boat out from the shore.

Recognised distress signals listed are: A gun or other explosive signal fire'd at intervals of about one minute; Continuous sounding of a horn or fog-horn; Rockets throwing red stars fired at intervals of about one minute; A radio-telegraphed SOS in morse; a radio telephoned MAYDAY; The International Code Flag signal N C; Shapes of a square with a ball above or below displayed on the boat; Flames on the vessel — as from a burning pot of oil; A rocket flare or handheld flare showing a red light; An orange smoke signal; Slowly and repeatedly raising and lowering arms outstretched to the side; Signals from an emergency position-indicating beacon. Unofficial distress signals are a dye marker, or a piece of orange cloth with either a black square and circle or the letter V. However, distress signals only indicate that help is needed and after someone sees it. They still have to organise a rescue boat, get out and find the vessel in trouble. by which time it might have drifted some distance. This is where the torch (at night) or the orange smoke signal (by day) are useful.