b'S A F E T Y E Q U I P M E N TPHOTO: JAMES GALARNEAUbetween sunset and sunrise. Recreational vessels under 16 feet Open sailboats less than 26 feet that are not equipped with propulsion machinery Manually propelled vessels under 16 feetAll other vessels must carry three daytime and three nighttime VDS while on coastal waters. The VDS can be carried as three combination day/night signals. Pyrotechnic devices cannot be expired.Here is more information on VDS.Visual distress signals must be U.S. Coast Guard approved, in serviceable condition and readily accessible U.S. Coast Guard approved pyrotechnic visual distress signals and associated devices include:o Pyrotechnic red flares, hand-held or aerialo Pyrotechnic orange smoke, hand-held or floatingLate in 2017, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission pub- o Launchers for aerial red meteors or parachute flareslished an important recall notice; Kidde Recalls Fire Extinguishers with Non-pyrotechnic visual distress signaling devices include:Plastic Handles Due to Failure to Discharge and Nozzle Detachment:o Orange distress flagsOne Death Reported (Recall number: 18-022) All affected fire extin- o Electric distress signalsguishers should be replaced. For more information about this recall, go Other VDS, such as those listed below, are useful, easy to to www.kidde.com and look under Support / Product Safety Notices carry, and are recognized as distress signals, but do not count as an approved VDS on coastal watersVentilation o Signaling mirrorRegulations require ventilation of all enclosed engine and fuel tanko Water dye No person, operator, or owner in a vessel shall display or allow compartments on gasoline-powered boats. Intake ducting must extend mid- the display of a visual distress signal except when assistance is way to the bilge or at least below the carburetor air intake level. Exhaustneeded because of immediate or potential danger to the vessel or to ducting must extend from the lower bilge to cowls in the open air.persons aboardManufacturers install exhaust blowers in engine compartments so that gasoline fumes can be removed before the engines are started. IfDisposal of Expired Pyrotechnical your boat is installed with an exhaust blower, it is recommended thatVisual Distress Signals (VDS) you turn it on for at least four minutes before starting the engine. Because of their chemical make-up and flammable characteristics, Visual Distress Signals (VDS) the disposal of expired pyrotechnical VDS is strictly regulated by the Visual distress signals are used to summon assistance when inUS EPA and US DOT.The Boating Division is no longer able to collect distress. Be aware that the U.S. Coast Guard has recognized techno- expired VDS.logical advances in VDS and has approved some electronic signalingNavigation Lights devices. These devices when used properly are acceptable substitu-tions for traditional pyrotechnical signaling devices (flares).All vessels, including manually propelled vessels, must display the Boaters must decide which VDS offers them the most benefitsproper navigation lights while operating from sunset to sunrise and depending on the boating they do. When choosing a VDS careful con- during daylight times of reduced visibility. Please see page 32, to see sideration should be given to: which lights are required for your vessel. ReliabilityDisposability Intended waterbody Visibility in areas of dense background lights Dangers of burning a VDS NOTE: Exceeding noise levels is a serious problem. MarineLength of useful signaling run time Police will be targeting areas, especially on the ConnecticutPortability.River, to check for compliance. Exceeding noise levels will In Connecticut, VDS are not required except when boating onresult in a fine of $220. Failing to submit to an on-site noise coastal waters. level test will result in a fine of $435. Subsequent failures The following vessels only need to carry VDS on coastal watersto submit will result in a fine of $535.182023 Connecticut BOATERS GUIDE'