When preparing for a solo ocean rowing crossing, it’s crucial to equip yourself with a comprehensive array of safety and signalling devices to ensure you can attract attention and call for help in an emergency. Understanding how to use these devices effectively can greatly enhance your chances of a successful rescue.
Pyrotechnics and Their Significance
Pyrotechnics play a vital role in emergency situations, with different colours serving specific purposes. Red flares are the most recognised distress signal, used to indicate a serious emergency. They create a bright, intense light that’s visible from a considerable distance, particularly effective at night or in low visibility conditions. For daytime signalling, orange smoke signals are invaluable. They produce a dense, colourful cloud that stands out against the ocean backdrop, helping rescuers locate you from afar. White flares, while less common, can be used to signal non-distress situations or mark your position. Green flares, although not always standard, may be used in some contexts to signify an “all clear” or to mark your location.
In addition to pyrotechnics, having sound signalling devices is equally important. Distress signal horns and whistles are compact and can produce loud sounds that alert nearby vessels or aircraft. These devices are particularly useful when visual signals might not be seen, such as in foggy conditions or at a distance.
Strategic Placement of Equipment
To maximise safety, I’ll be strategically storing my pyrotechnics and signalling devices. Essential items like hand-held flares and smoke signals will be kept in my grab bag, ensuring they’re easily accessible if I need to abandon the boat. Hand-held flares will provide immediate, visible light for distress signalling, while smoke signals will offer daytime visibility.
In my life raft, I’ll store additional pyrotechnics, including parachute flares and more smoke signals. Parachute flares are ideal for night-time use, rising high into the sky and bursting into bright light to attract attention from afar. Including a signal mirror and a distress signal horn or whistle in the life raft will further enhance my ability to be seen and heard.
By equipping myself with a variety of pyrotechnics, sound signalling devices, and strategic placement, I ensure that I’m prepared for any emergency situation. This comprehensive approach not only increases my visibility but also enhances my overall safety, providing multiple layers of signalling to improve my chances of a successful rescue.
