When should hand-held visual distress signal flares be displayed?

Hand-held visual distress signal flares are designed to communicate that a vessel is in trouble or to alert others to a potential emergency situation. Displaying these flares when immediate or potential danger exists is crucial for safety on the water. This will notify nearby vessels or aircraft that assistance is needed or that a situation may escalate to a distress condition.

Using flares only when in distress or during the daytime limits their effectiveness, as they serve as a warning signal to prevent a situation from worsening. Flares are not meant to be used just whenever in open waters either; they should be reserved for specific emergency scenarios where the operator needs to signal for help or alert others to danger. Therefore, displaying flares when there is immediate or potential danger encompasses scenarios both in a true distress situation and in cases where an emergency might soon evolve, ensuring that the vessel’s operator is taking proactive steps to ensure safety.