Parachute Flare
A pyrotechnic distress signal that, when launched, ascends to a high altitude before deploying a parachute to slow its descent while emitting a bright, long-lasting light.
A parachute flare is an essential piece of safety equipment used in marine environments to signal distress and attract attention over long distances, particularly at night or in poor visibility conditions. When fired from a handheld or mounted launcher, the flare ascends to a significant height, often around 300 metres, before deploying a small parachute. This parachute slows the descent, allowing the flare to remain visible for an extended period, typically around 40 to 60 seconds. The flare burns with an intense red or white light, making it highly visible to search and rescue teams, ships, and aircraft.
Parachute flares are required by maritime regulations for many vessels, particularly those operating offshore or in open waters. They are stored in waterproof containers and must be replaced periodically to ensure reliability. Proper handling and storage are crucial, as they contain pyrotechnic materials that can be hazardous if mishandled. When used correctly, a parachute flare significantly increases the chances of being spotted and rescued in an emergency at sea.
Overview of flares and their uses
The table below outlines the different types and colours of flare and a brief description of their use.
| Type | Colour | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Parachute Flare | Red | Indicating your distress when out of sight of other vessels. Rocket flares should be launched in pairs, approximately 1 to 2 mins apart. |
| White | Illuminating a sea area. Useful if searching for a man overboard at night. | |
| Hand-held Flare | Orange (smoke) | Providing directional guidance and wind indication for any search and rescue assets as they approach you. |
| Red | Inidicating your distress when other vessels are nearby. Useful to hold the flare in the direction of potential help. | |
| White | Pinpoint indication of your location making visible your position. Used if you don’t believe a vessel on a collision course has seen you. | |
| Buoyant Flare | Orange (smoke) | Providing directional guidance and wind indication for any search and rescue assets as they approach you. |
