Deck General · EPIRBs & Distress Signals
A hand-held orange smoke signal may be used to signal distress during the day. Under SOLAS, the minimum burn duration for a buoyant orange smoke signal is:
- A1 minute
- B3 minutes✓ Correct
- C5 minutes
- D10 minutes
Explanation
SOLAS requires that a buoyant smoke signal emit a distinguishable color (orange) for a minimum of 3 minutes. This provides enough time for nearby vessels or aircraft to spot the signal and determine the position of survivors.
Authority: SOLAS
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