Question 1

A red parachute rocket flare, compared with a red handheld flare, is for…

Accepted Answer

Long range — to be searched for, visible up to ~28 miles — The parachute rocket climbs high and is seen far off (~28 miles); the handheld is short range to steer a rescuer already in sight onto you.

Question 2

A WHITE handheld flare is used to…

Accepted Answer

Warn another vessel of your presence and avoid collision — White flares are NOT a distress signal — they warn another vessel you are there. Red means distress; orange smoke is daylight distress.

Question 3

The correct way to deal with out-of-date flares is to…

Accepted Answer

Route them through a proper disposal scheme — check current MCA guidance — Firing them launches a false rescue; binning or dumping is illegal. Disposal is the owner’s duty via a licensed scheme; arrangements change, so check the MCA.

Raising the alarm

This lesson is part of a paid course