Marine Rocket parachute Flare, Hand flare, Buoyant smoke signal requirements as per LSA code & SOLAS

LSA Code Chapter III - VISUAL SIGNALS

3.1 ROCKET PARACHUTE FLARES

3.1.1 The rocket parachute flare shall:

1. be contained in a water-resistant casing;

2. have brief instructions or diagrams clearly illustrating the use of the rocket parachute flare printed on its casing;

3. have integral means of ignition; and

4. be so designed as not to cause discomfort to the person holding the casing when used in accordance with the manufacturer's operating instructions.

3.1.2 The rocket shall when fired vertically, reach an altitude of not less than 300 m. At or near the top of its trajectory, the rocket shall eject a parachute flare, which shall:

1. burn with a bright red colour;

2. burn uniformly with an average luminous intensity of not less than 30,000 cd;

3. have a burning period of not less than 40 s;

4. have a rate of descent of not more than 5 m/s; and

5. not damage its parachute or attachments while burning.

3.2 HAND FLARES

3.2.1 The hand flare shall:

1. be contained in a water-resistant casing;

2. have brief instructions or diagrams clearly illustrating the use of the hand flare printed on its casing;

3. have a self-contained means of ignition; and

4. be so designed as not to cause discomfort to the person holding the casing and not endanger the survival craft by burning or glowing residues when used in accordance with the manufacturer's operating instructions.

3.2.2 The hand flare shall:

1. burn with a bright red colour;

2. burn uniformly with an average luminous intensity of not less than 15,000 cd;

3. have a burning period of not less than 1 min; and

4. continue to burn after having been immersed for a period of l0 s under 100 mm of water.

3.3 BUOYANT SMOKE SIGNALS

3.3.1 The buoyant smoke signal shall:

1. be contained in a water-resistant casing;

2. not ignite explosively when used in accordance with the manufacturer's operating instructions; and

3. have brief instructions or diagrams clearly illustrating the use of the buoyant smoke signal printed on its casing.

3.3.2 The buoyant smoke signal shall:

1. emit smoke of a highly visible colour at a uniform rate for a period of not less than 3 min when floating in calm water;

2. not emit any flame during the entire smoke emission time;

3. not be swamped in a seaway; and

4. continue to emit smoke when submerged in water for a period of 10s under 100 mm of water.

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SOLAS CH.3 Regulation 6

For Passenger and Cargo ships

Distress flares

Not less than 12 rocket parachute flares, complying with the requirements of section 3.1 of the Code, shall be carried and be stowed on or near the navigation bridge.