It's the Law: Required Equipment

Visual Distress Signals (VDSs)

Visual Distress Signals (VDSs) allow vessel operators to signal for help in the event of an emergency. VDSs are classified as day signals (visible in bright sunlight), night signals (visible at night), or both day and night signals.

• VDSs are not required on Arkansas state waters, but it is strongly recommended that you carry VDSs on board.
• All vessels on federally controlled waters, regardless of length or type, are required to carry night signals when operating between sunset and sunrise.
• Most vessels on federally controlled waters must carry day signals also; exceptions to the requirement for day signals are:
  • Recreational vessels that are less than 16 feet in length
  • Non-motorized open sailboats that are less than 26 feet in length
  • Manually propelled vessels
• VDSs are either pyrotechnic (smoke and flames) or non-pyrotechnic (non-combustible). If pyrotechnic VDSs are used, a minimum of three must be carried in the vessel.

U.S. Coast Guard—Approved Visual Distress Signals

Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals

Orange Smoke Day Signal

Red Meteor Day and Night Signal

Red Flare Day and Night Signal

Non-Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals

Electric Light Night Signal

Orange Flag Day Signal

Arm Signal Although this signal does not meet VDS equipment requirements, wave your arms to summon help if you do not have other distress signals on board.

Federally Controlled Waters

Vessels must observe federal requirements on these waters:

• Coastal waters
• The Great Lakes
• Territorial seas
• Waters that are two miles wide or wider and are directly connected to one of the above

See a list of federally controlled waters in Arkansas.