Survival craft markings and distress signals

What This Area Tests

Examiners frequently probe candidates on two distinct but related topics in the same breath: what markings must appear on survival craft, and which distress signals are available and when each is appropriate. Conflating the two, or reciting signals without demonstrating knowledge of their limitations, will cost marks.

Survival Craft Markings

Survival craft (liferafts, lifeboats, rescue boats) must be marked to enable identification, rescue coordination and flag-state accountability. Key required markings include:

• Vessel's name and port of registry — on the craft itself
• Number of persons the craft is approved to carry
• SOLAS approval markings (where applicable)
• Sequential number where a vessel carries multiple survival craft
• Retro-reflective tape — fitted in approved positions to aid detection by searchlight and SAR radar
• Painter/release system instructions — operationally critical

Liferafts packed in canisters also carry exterior markings showing capacity and, where fitted, EPIRB or SART compatibility.

Examiner trap: Retro-reflective tape is a marking, not a signal. Candidates sometimes list it under distress signals — keep these categories separate.

Distress Signals — Distinguish by Type and Conditions

Annex IV to COLREGS (supplemented by SOLAS) lists recognised distress signals. For survival craft, the practically tested ones are:

Pyrotechnics

• Parachute rocket flare — greatest range and height; use when rescue craft or aircraft are likely beyond visual range or in low visibility. Minimum firing height to achieve effect.
• Hand-held red flare — close-range, confirmed sighting; use when rescue is in sight but may not be looking your direction.
• Orange smoke signal — day use only; highly visible in good daylight, useless in darkness. Drift of smoke indicates wind direction to a helicopter.

Electronic

• EPIRB — activates SAR system via satellite (COSPAS-SARSAT); operates unattended; provides position data. Not a real-time two-way signal.
• SART (radar) / AIS-SART — activates only when illuminated by a 9 GHz radar; produces distinctive display on rescuer's radar. AIS-SART additionally broadcasts a position report via AIS. Neither replaces voice communication.
• PLB — personal, carried by individual; similar satellite uplink to EPIRB but shorter battery life and lower power.

Sound and visual (non-pyrotechnic)

• Fog horn, whistle, mirror (heliograph) — low-tech, no battery dependency; mirror is underrated and highly effective in sunshine.

When to Use Which

Pyrotechnics are consumed on use — a candidate who can discuss conservation of signals (do not fire until confident of sighting) demonstrates exam-level judgement.