Attention getting

Attention getting signalling devices will attract the attention of a rescuer or other boats even when they are not looking for you. They can often also be used as location marking devices. For example a marine VHF radio can be used to call for help, and when the Coast Guard comes they can use a radio direction finder to help determine where you are. A cell phone may be used as an attention getting device but it is not as good as a location marking device because the Coast Guard is not equipped to home in on its signal. With a GPS a cell phone may work OK, but it is not as reliable as a VHF.

Note that some of the items below will not always be very effective. Lighting a fire at a commonly used campsite is not likely to attract too much attention unless it is done in conjunction with some other form of signalling. A flare won't attract much attention on the 4th of July in the USA, 14th July in France, nor on the 5th November in Great Britain :-)

Other Attention Getting Signalling Devices

Visible:

• Some flares
• Strobes and emergency lights
• Signal mirror
• Paddle
• Smoke signal
• Fire
• Rescue kite

Audible:

• Whistle
• Air horn
• Fog horn

Electronic:

• Marine VHF radio
• EPIRB
• Cell phone

In general, you should recognize and be able to improvise any distress symbol.