Open sailboats less than 26 feet in length not equipped with propulsion machinery. Pyrotechnic Devices Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals must be Coast Guard Approved, in working condition, and readily accessible. They are marked with a date showing the service life, which must not have expired. If pyrotechnic devices are selected, a minimum of three are required. That is, three signals for day and three signals for night.
Some pyrotechnic signals meet both day and night use requirements.
Pyrotechnic devices should be stored in a cool, dry location. Pyrotechnic orange smoke, hand-held or floating. Launchers for aerial red meteors or parachute flares. They include the Orange Distress Flag and the Electric Distress Light. The distress flag is a day signal only.