Sound signals
VHF radio calling
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of outdated flares, call the nearest police, Coast Guard or fire department.
Emergency Signal Types
| Type A: Parachute |
Type B: Multi-star |
- seen from surface or air
- 2 second delay after pulling pin
- burns at least 40 seconds
|
- seen from surface or air
- burns 5 seconds
- if single-star, you need twice as many
|
| Type C: Hand held |
Type D: Buoyant or hand held |
- limited surface visibility
- visible from airplane
|
- smoke flare for day signal only
- burns 3 minutes
|
Other distress signals
- orange cloth with large black square and circle
- any ball shape over/under any square flag/cloth
- International code flag "N" over "C"
- raise & lower out-stretched arms repeatedly (not near helicopters!)
- dye marker in the water
- SOS sound signal or flashlight (3 short, 3 long, 3 short, pause, repeat)
- Marine radio Channel 16 (156.8 MHz)
VHF radio calling
- 2182 kHz MF
- CB channel 9 (not monitored by Coast Guard)
- Sound signals to indicate your intentions, your location in fog, etc.
Calling for Help in an Emergency
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 Marine Radio for information about emergency calls and MAYDAY procedures in particular.
The following is an example of a radio call when help is required for an imminent threat to human life:
"MAYDAY... MAYDAY... MAYDAY...
This is the pleasure craft SLOW POKE. {name of vessel}
We are at BUOY NUMBER 140 ON LAKE ONTARIO. {exact location}
We are TAKING ON WATER {nature of distress} and require
Pumps. {assistance required}
Turn down radio "squelch" and listen carefully for an answer.
Repeat if there is no answer.
