Motorboats less than 12 meters in length (about 40 feet) must carry some mechanical means of making a sound signal. This device may be hand-, mouth- or power-operated. An athletic coach’s whistle is acceptable. Larger motorboats more than 12 meters in length must carry a whistle and a bell. Operators of unpowered boats are required to have some means of making an efficient oral or mechanical sound signal that can be heard by another boat operator in time to avoid a collision.

In Pennsylvania, Visual distress signals (VDS) are required only for boats operating on Lake Erie. Between the hours of sunset and sunrise, boats less than 16 feet in length must carry VDS suitable for use at night. Boats 16 feet and over in length must, at all times, carry devices suitable for day use and devices suitable for night use, or devices suitable for use both day and night.

Approved day-use-only devices include orange smoke (hand-held or floating) and orange signal flags. Flares are approved for both day and night use. If flares are selected, a minimum of three must be carried. Three day/night signaling devices meet both requirements.

All VDS must be USCG approved, have legible approval numbers, be in serviceable condition and be readily accessible. VDS are not acceptable if the expiration date has passed. Though only required on Lake Erie, VDS are practical safety items for all boaters to carry.

Flares are of short duration. Use them only when another vessel is in sight. When igniting a flare, hold it over the water on the downwind (leeward) side. Flares are not toys. Use them only in an emergency!