All pyrotechnic devices have instructions for use based on pictograms, which are easy to understand, even in situations of intense stress. But for more efficiency, it is strongly recommended to look at and understand the operation without waiting for the damage.
What French regulations require
As a reminder, the regulations require a set of 3 hand lights in the coastal navigation zone (navigation between 2 to 6 miles from a shelter). For navigation in mid-shore (6 to 60 miles from a shelter) and offshore (more than 60 miles from a shelter), your vessel must be equipped with an offshore box consisting of 3 parachute rockets, 3 red hand lights and 2 floating smoke.
The parachute rocket
This is the pyrotechnic means that will be triggered to signal distress.
The parachute rocket is a projectile launcher that will send a glowing rocket to a height of about 350 m, then its fall will be slowed down by the opening of a small parachute. Its combustion time is about 40 seconds, with a visibility of about 25 miles.
During firing, the recoil can be significant. Keep your arm bent over the water and choose a stable position, which, when used day and night, will allow a ship or air vehicle to position you from a long distance
Be careful, a rocket must not be fired if an aircraft (plane, helicopter...) is on approach. If the rocket is long fire (it does not leave), it is preferable to submerge it quickly in order to limit the risks of untimely activation
The hand fire
The hand light will be used to guide rescue services (boat, helicopter) in the final approach phase.
It produces a bright red flame (very bright) for about 60 seconds, remaining at the end of the fire. Be careful of small splashes that may result and use a glove to avoid burns. Do not look at the flame for too long.
Hand lights are often used when emergency services are already alerted and allow a ship to be located on final approach to rescue. Like the parachute rocket, they are used day and night, to keep your arms stretched out over the water (so as not to set the boat or raft on fire)
The Smoke
This fire, which sends orange smoke, floats flush with the water. It is only used for helicopter rescue to give them an indication of wind strength and direction at water level.
The smoke will produce an orange-red smoke for about 3 minutes. Can only be used during the day, a smoke generator must be struck above the water and downwind
Review it!
In order to familiarize yourself with these machines, training sessions are regularly organized by SNSM stations or some yacht clubs
Don't consider training alone with your old rockets. A reckless fire immediately triggered the implementation of the entire rescue chain and mobilized significant ground and air search resources. The use of rockets for purposes other than reporting distress is considered a criminal offence.
Be careful about the expiry dates of your pyrotechnic devices. To stay in good standing, you must always have equipment with the right validity dates. Even if, even if outdated, your equipment can still work.
Finally, don't forget that your shipchandler is required to recover your expired rockets when buying new rockets.
