Distress signals are mandatory knowledge for every recreational boater – and a recurring topic in the SBF theory exam. They indicate that a vessel is in distress and needs help. This article explains which signals exist, what they mean, and which ones you may use yourself.

Where distress signals are regulated

The internationally valid distress signals are set out in the Collision Regulations (COLREGs) – specifically Rule 37 and Annex IV. Important: these signals may be used exclusively to indicate distress and request assistance. Firing them for practice or fun is prohibited and can get expensive.

Pyrotechnic distress signals

Pyrotechnic distress signals produce a striking visual signal. They’re the classic on board:

  • Red parachute rocket (parachute flare): rises several hundred meters, burns for about 40 seconds and is visible over a long distance. It serves to draw attention to an emergency from far away.
  • Red hand flare: burns with a bright red flame and marks your position at close range – for example when a rescue vessel is already in sight.
  • Orange smoke signal: produces dense orange smoke and serves to mark your position in daylight.

A rule of thumb: red signals are light signals for alerting and close-range marking, orange signals are smoke signals for daytime.

Important: competence certificate for pyrotechnic signals

To buy and use the red parachute rocket (category P2) in Germany, you need the competence certificate (Fachkundenachweis, FKN). It is not part of the boating license, but is often taken at the same time. The red hand flare and smaller smoke signals, by contrast, fall under the permit-free category P1 and are available from age 18 without any certificate. For more on the categories, obtaining the FKN, and proper storage, see Flares explained: the FKN certificate.

Non-pyrotechnic distress signals

Besides pyrotechnics, the COLREGs recognize further distress signals that you may give without any special permission:

  • Voice radio: the spoken distress call “MAYDAY” on the VHF marine distress channel (Channel 16).
  • DSC alert: the digital distress alert via a VHF marine radio with a DSC controller.
  • SOS in Morse code (● ● ● ▬ ▬ ▬ ● ● ●), given with any signaling device (e.g. a lamp).
  • A continuous sound with a sound-signaling device (e.g. the foghorn).
  • Flag signal “NC” from the International Code of Signals.
  • A signal consisting of a square flag with a ball (or anything resembling a ball) above or below it.
  • Slowly raising and lowering arms outstretched to each side – probably the simplest distress signal, which anyone can give without equipment.
  • A flame signal on board (e.g. a burning tar barrel).
  • An emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), which transmits an alert and position via satellite.

Radio tip: Under normal operation you may only operate a marine radio with the appropriate radio certificate – inland with the UBI, on the coast with the SRC, and for worldwide voyages with the LRC. Sending a distress call in an acute emergency, however, is permitted to anyone.

What to do if you see a distress signal

Anyone who notices a distress signal is obliged to render assistance, as far as they can help without serious danger to their own boat and crew. At a minimum you should relay the distress case by radio (Channel 16) or by phone to the maritime rescue coordination center so that professional rescuers are alerted.

Learning distress signals properly

The theory exam is mainly about recognizing the signals and matching them to their meaning – which color stands for what, and which signal you may give yourself. You can practice exactly these questions in the Boatpass app, separated by SBF Inland and SBF Coastal.

The acoustic counterparts in normal operation – who gives which sound and when – are summarized in our article on sound signals for the boating license. And how to perform a man-overboard maneuver in an emergency is covered in our MOB guide.

Conclusion

The most important distress signals are listed in COLREGs Annex IV: red parachute rocket and hand flare, orange smoke signal, MAYDAY and DSC alert via radio, plus a range of simple signs right down to raising and lowering your arms. Anyone who knows which signal stands for what – and that the red pyrotechnic signals require a competence certificate – has the distress-signal questions firmly under control in the exam.