Rule 37 — Distress Signals

USCG Boatswain Manual Ch. 7 §7.2

USCG Boatswain Manual Ch. 7 §7.2 — Search and Rescue Distress signalling priorities: VHF Channel 16 MAYDAY with DSC if equipped (transmits identity and position automatically), EPIRB activation if a rapid response is critical, visual flares and signal mirror as backup. Always continue to transmit MAYDAY until acknowledged.

33 CFR §175.130

§ 175.130 § 175.130 Visual distress signals accepted. (a) Any of the following signals, when carried in the number required, can be used to meet the requirements of § 175.110: (1) An electric distress light meeting the standards of 46 CFR 161.013. One is required to meet the night only requirement. (2) An orange flag meeting the standards of 46 CFR 160.072. One is required to meet the day only requirement. (3) Pyrotechnics meeting the standards noted in Table 175.130. (b) Any combination of signal devices selected from the types noted in paragraphs (a) (1), (2) and (3) of this section, when carried in the number required, may be used to meet both day and night requirements.—the combination of two hand held red flares (160.021), and one parachute red flare (160.024 or 160.036) meets bo…

33 CFR §83.35

§ 83.35 § 83.35 Sound signals in restricted visibility (Rule 35). In or near an area of restricted visibility, whether by day or night, the signals prescribed in this Rule shall be used as follows: (a) A power-driven vessel making way through the water shall sound, at intervals of not more than 2 minutes, one prolonged blast. (b) A power-driven vessel underway but stopped and making no way through the water shall sound, at intervals of not more than 2 minutes, two prolonged blasts in succession, with an interval of about 2 seconds between them. (c) A vessel not under command; a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver, whether underway or at anchor; a sailing vessel; a vessel engaged in fishing, whether underway or at anchor; and a vessel engaged in towing or pushing another vessel…

33 CFR §83.36

§ 83.36 § 83.36 Signals to attract attention (Rule 36). If necessary to attract the attention of another vessel, any vessel may make light or sound signals that cannot be mistaken for any signal authorized elsewhere in these Rules, or may direct the beam of her searchlight in the direction of the danger, in such a way as not to embarrass any vessel.

33 CFR §83.37

§ 83.37 § 83.37 Distress signals (Rule 37). When a vessel is in distress and requires assistance she shall use or exhibit the signals described in Annex IV to these Rules (33 CFR part 87).

33 CFR §87.01

§ 87.01 § 87.01 Need of assistance. The following signals, used or exhibited either together or separately, indicate distress and need of assistance: (a) A gun or other explosive signal fired at intervals of about a minute; (b) A continuous sounding with any fog-signaling apparatus; (c) Rockets or shells, throwing red stars fired one at a time at short intervals; (d) A signal made by any method consisting of the group . . . - - - . . . (SOS) in the Morse Code; (e) A signal sent by radiotelephony consisting of the spoken word “Mayday”; (f) The International Code Signal of distress indicated by N.C.; (g) A signal consisting of a square flag having above or below it a ball or anything resembling a ball; (h) Flames on the vessel (as from a burning tar barrel, oil barrel, etc.); (i) A…