Distress and life-saving signals


Signals to be used by ships, aircraft or persons in distress. Flares


NEVER fire a parachute flare if a helicopter is approaching.


Wind In low cloud fire at 45°.


Handheld orange smoke.


NEVER fire into the wind.


Handheld pinpoint flare shows exactly where you are – use inshore or in sight of vessels.


Orange smoke for use by day – especially in bright conditions.


White collision-warning flare.


Fire rocket vertically.


If windy fire 15° downwind.


For use at night or in dull conditions to pinpoint position.


Long-range signal for use offshore.


Floating orange smoke.


Replies from life-saving stations etc. to distress signals made by ships or persons


Orange smoke signal.


OR


White star rocket – three single signals fired at intervals of about one minute.


Meaning ‘You are seen –


assistance will be given as soon as possible.’


Surface-to-air signals Message I require assistance I require medical assistance No or negative Yes or affirmative Proceeding in this direction V W N C


International Code of Signals


ICAO Visual Signals V X N Y ⭡


Straight and level flight.


Air-to-surface direction signals


Sequence of three manoeuvres meaning ‘proceed in this direction’


Circling.


Message understood – I will comply Surface-to-air replies


Change course or direction. OR 1. Circle vessel at least once.


2. Cross low, ahead of vessel, rocking wings.


3. Overfly vessel and head in required direction.


4 Morse code signal by light. T OR


Code and answering pendant ‘Close Up’.


Drop a message. Rocking wings.


Message not understood – repeat OR


Flashing landing or navigation lights twice.


OR R P T Morse code signal by light.


Message understood


Air-to-surface replies OR


OR


OR OR


T R


Morse code signal by light.


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