Owner`s manual

3070 CENTER CONSOLE
11-3
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
PFDs must be Coast Guard approved, in good and serviceable condition, and of appropriate size
for the intended user. Wearable PFDs must be readily accessible, meaning you must be able to
put them on in a reasonable amount of time in an emergency. Though not required, the Coast
Guard emphasizes that PFDs should be worn at all times when the vessel is underway. Throwable
devices must be immediately available for use. All Pursuit boats must be equipped with at least
one Type I, II or III PFD for each person on board, plus one throwable device (Type IV).
Visual Distress Signals
All Pursuit boats used on coastal waters, the Great Lakes, territorial seas, and those waters
connected directly to them, must be equipped with Coast Guard approved visual distress signals.
These signals are either Pyrotechnic or Non-Pyrotechnic devices.
Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals
Pyrotechnic visual distress signals must be Coast Guard approved, in serviceable condition, and
readily accessible. They are marked with a date showing the service life, which must not have
expired. A minimum of three are required. Some pyrotechnic signals meet both day and night
use requirements. They should be stored in a cool, dry location. They include:
• Pyrotechnic red flares, hand held or aerial.
• Pyrotechnic orange smoke, hand-held or floating.
• Launchers for aerial red meteors or parachute flares.
PYROTECHNICS ARE UNIVERSALLY RECOGNIZED AS EXCELLENT DISTRESS
SIGNALS. HOWEVER, THERE IS POTENTIAL FOR INJURY AND PROPERTY DAM-
AGE IF NOT PROPERLY HANDLED. THESE DEVICES PRODUCE A VERY HOT
FLAME AND THE RESIDUE CAN CAUSE BURNS AND IGNITE FLAMMABLE MA-
TERIAL. PISTOL LAUNCHED AND HAND-HELD PARACHUTE FLARES AND ME-
TEORS HAVE MANY CHARACTERISTICS OF A FIREARM AND MUST BE
HANDLED WITH CAUTION. IN SOME STATES THEY ARE CONSIDERED A FIRE-
ARM AND PROHIBITED FROM USE. ALWAYS BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL AND
FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS EXACTLY WHEN USING PYRO-
TECHNIC DISTRESS SIGNALS.
Non-Pyrotechnic Devices
Non-Pyrotechnic visual distress signals must be in serviceable condition, readily accessible, and
certified by the manufacturer as complying with U.S. Coast Guard requirements. They include:
• Orange Distress Flag. (Day use only)
The distress flag is a day signal only. It must be at least 3 x 3 feet with a black square and
ball on an orange background. It is most distinctive when attached and waved from a paddle
or boat hook.