Store pyrotechnics in a cool, dry place in a watertight container. To dispose of outdated flares, call the nearest police, Coast Guard or fire department.
| Type A: Parachute | Type B: Multi-star |
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| Type C: Hand held | Type D: Buoyant or hand held |
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Cell Phone Users: Call *OPP (*677) to reach the nearest OPP detachment in Ontario.
Search and Rescue: Call *16 to have your call routed to the nearest Canadian Coast Guard radio station. Their Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Trenton, Ontario is toll-free 1-800-267-7270.
CB Radio Users: Channel 9 is monitored by various agencies for emergency assistance.
VHF Radio Users: The Coast Guard monitors VHF Channel 16 (156.8 MHz)
on a 24 hour basis. See the VHF page for marine radio
information and the MAYDAY procedures in particular.
The following is a summary.
| Radio procedure for imminent to life with assistance required: |
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| Radio procedure for no imminent danger but assistance is required: |
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| Signal | International | Great Lakes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 SHORT BLAST | i AM ALTERING COURSE TO STARBOARD | |
| I intend to leave you on my port side | ||
| 2 short blasts | I am altering course to port | |
| I intend to leave you on my starboard | ||
| 3 short blasts | I am operating astern propulsion | |
| (same meaning) | ||
| 5 short blasts | Danger of Message not understood | |
| (same meaning) | ||
Short blast is a blast of one second duration. A prolonged blast is two to four seconds.
When a vessel in a narrow channel or tidal stream is meeting another vessel, the vessel that is heading with the current makes 1 short blast if altering to starboard (the norm) and 2 short blasts if altering to port. The vessel that must "give way" to the first vessel replies WITH THE SAME SIGNAL if in agreement or with the danger signal (5 short blasts) if in doubt.
Pleasure boats do not generally use these signals when passing normally (port to port) but if a large ship signals you, be sure to answer back and get out of his way -- you must always give way to large ships!
When approaching a lockstation, you must use a slightly different sound signal. 3 long blasts means you wish to lock through. 4 long blasts means you need both gates opened (don't do this if you are in a small cruiser unless it's your first lock!). You don't need to signal if there are already other boats waiting -- in the heritage canals, the approach dock is usually "blue".
See Pat's cruising hints which contains information on navigation equipment and plotting.
Definitions & Mnemonics for Power Boaters & Sailors includes lights,sound signals, navigation formulas, rules of the "road", weather.