Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Visual Distress Signals (VDSs) (ORC 1547.251 & ORC 1547.69)

Visual Distress Signals allow operators to signal for help in the event of an emergency. Visual distress signals are classified as day signals (visible in bright sunlight), night signals (visible at night), or both day and night signals. Visual distress signals are either pyrotechnic (smoke and flames) or non-pyrotechnic (non-combustible).

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

Pyrotechnic devices typically have a service life of three years. Check the expiration date.
Never use road flares. They produce hot slag that can drip and burn your boat.
Store devices in a cool, dry, and prominently marked location.

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.

When operating on federally controlled waters (Lake Erie or the immediately connecting bays, harbors, and anchorage areas):

No person shall operate or permit operation of:
- A vessel 16 feet or more in length or any vessel carrying six or fewer passengers for hire without carrying U.S. Coast Guard–approved visual distress signals for both day and night use.
- Any vessel between sunset and sunrise unless carrying U.S. Coast Guard–approved visual distress signals for night use.
The required distress signals shall be:
- U.S. Coast Guard–approved and ...
- In good and serviceable condition and ...
- Readily accessible and ...
- Of the type and quantities as required (see chart above).

When operating on Ohio waters other than federally controlled waters (that is, waters other than Lake Erie or the connecting bays, harbors, or anchorage areas), no person shall operate or permit operation of a vessel without carrying a distress flag at least two feet square and international orange in color or a U.S. Coast Guard–approved daytime distress signal.

No person shall display any distress signal unless a vessel or a person is in distress and in need of help.

No person shall knowingly transport or possess a distress signaling device in a loaded condition on a vessel other than immediately prior to discharging of the device to signal for assistance.

Exemptions to VDS Requirements

Exemptions to the requirement to carry visual distress signals exist. However, on Lake Erie or the immediately connecting bays, harbors, and anchorage areas, an exempted vessel must carry approved visual distress signals for night use between sunset and sunrise.

The exempted vessels during daylight hours only include:

Vessels in an organized marine event or race
Manually propelled vessels
Sailboats less than 26 feet in length with completely open construction and without propulsion machinery

Federally Controlled Waters

Waters on which vessels must observe federal requirements, including VDS requirements; these waters include:

Coastal waters
The Great Lakes
Territorial seas
Bodies of water connected directly to one of the above, up to a point where the body of water is less than two miles wide (in Ohio, this includes Lake Erie, the Ohio River, and the Muskingum River)

Equipment for Sound Signals (OAC 1501:47-2-33)

During periods of reduced visibility or whenever a boat operator needs to signal his or her intentions or position, a sound-producing device is essential. The requirements for sound signals are:

A vessel of 12 meters (39.4 feet) or more in length shall be provided with a power whistle or power horn and a bell.
A vessel less than 12 meters in length shall not be obliged to carry the sound devices described above. However, the vessel must be provided with a means of making an efficient sound signal.
A vessel that is propelled by human muscular effort, a sailing vessels, and a power-driven vessel less than 16 feet in length, when using waters other than Lake Erie, the Ohio River, or the Muskingum River, shall not be obliged to carry the sound devices stipulated above or produce the sound signals prescribed in the Ohio Administrative Code.

Audibility of Sound Signals

For boats less than 65.6 feet (20 meters) in length, sound signals should be audible for at least ½ mile.
For boats over 65.6 feet (20 meters) in length, sound signals should be audible for at least 1 mile.

Common Sound Signals

Some common sound signals that you should be familiar with as a recreational boater are as follows.

A short blast lasts one second.
A prolonged blast lasts 4-6 seconds.

Changing Direction

One short blast tells other boaters "I intend to pass you on my port (left) side."
Two short blasts tell other boaters "I intend to pass you on my starboard (right) side."
Three short blasts tell other boaters "I am backing up."

Restricted Visibility

One prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes is the signal used by power-driven vessels when underway.
One prolonged blast plus two short blasts at intervals of not more than two minutes is the signal used by sailing vessels.

Warning

One prolonged blast is a warning signal (for example, used when coming around a blind bend or exiting a slip).
Five (or more) short, rapid blasts signal danger or signal that you do not understand or that you disagree with the other boater's intentions.