Distress signals
How to Use a Flare on a Boat — Types and Safe Firing
Published · Last checked October 2026
To use a handheld flare, read the instructions on the case, hold it at arm's length over the leeward side, pointing away from you and the boat, remove the cap and strike or twist the firing mechanism. Look away while it burns. Fire a parachute rocket downwind, angled slightly into the wind, never at low cloud or at a helicopter. Use red flares to signal distress, orange smoke by day, and white flares only to warn of collision.
Types of flare
| Flare | Use | Typical visibility |
|---|---|---|
| Red parachute rocket | Distress, when far from help; climbs to around 300 m | Seen many miles away |
| Red handheld | Distress, pinpointing your position to nearby rescuers | A few miles |
| Orange smoke (handheld or buoyant) | Distress by day; shows wind direction to a helicopter | Short range, daylight |
| White handheld | Not distress: warns another vessel of collision risk | A few miles |
Red flares and orange smoke are recognised distress signals under Annex IV of the COLREGs. Only use them when there is grave and imminent danger.
How to fire a flare safely
- Read the instructions printed on the flare now, in daylight, not in an emergency.
- Put on gloves if you have them. Stand on the downwind (leeward) side of the boat.
- Hold a handheld flare at arm's length, pointing up and away, over the side.
- Remove the end caps and fire it as instructed (striker, pull cord or twist).
- Look away from the flame and hold it firmly; hot dross drips from it.
- For a parachute rocket, hold it vertically, angled slightly downwind in strong wind, and never fire it if a helicopter is close.
Flares and modern alerting
Flares are a last-mile signal. Your first call should normally be a DSC distress alert and a Mayday on VHF, and an EPIRB or PLB if fitted. Many coastal sailors now also carry an electronic visual distress signal (EVDS), a bright flashing light without the fire risk; check its approval and whether it meets your needs.
Storage and disposal
- Keep flares in a waterproof container near the companionway or in the grab bag.
- Flares typically expire three to four years after manufacture. Check the dates.
- Never throw old flares away or set them off for fun: it is illegal and wastes rescue resources.
- In the UK, out-of-date flares can be taken to designated disposal points; check the MCA and your local chandlery or marina.