Boat Distress Flares: Types of Signals and FAQ

June 22, 2025

Updated June 2025 Flares, also known as pyrotechnic distress signals, are devices boaters can use to call for help in emergency situations. Boats must have a certain number of valid distress flares on board at all times when over 1 nautical mile from shore. Flares must be approved by Transport Canada and must not be expired.

Read on for more information about boat flares!

Types of distress flares

Rocket parachute flares (Type A)

This type of flare has a rocket that launches it 300 m into the air. After the flare reaches its peak height, a parachute deploys and it descends slowly, burning bright red for at least 40 seconds. It can be seen up to 20 nautical miles away, so it can be used to alert rescuers at a considerable distance.

Multi-star flares (Type B)

This type of flare produces two or more bright red stars at intervals of 15 seconds or less. Each star burns for at least 4 seconds. The flare has a maximum height of 100 m and can be seen up to 12 nautical miles away. It can be used to alert rescuers at a considerable distance.

Hand flares (Type C)

These are hand-held red flares that burn for at least a minute. They are more visible from the air than from the surface and are used to signal rescuers who are within a few nautical miles of the vessel.

Smoke signal (Type D)

Smoke signals can be either hand-held or buoyant. The buoyant type emits dense orange smoke for at least 3 minutes in calm water. The hand-held type emits the same kind of smoke for at least a minute. Smoke signals are only effective in daylight.

Boating Distress Flares FAQ

Do I need flares on my boat?

In Canada, flares are a mandatory boating safety item. The specific type and number of flares required depend on the size of your vessel and the body of water you’re navigating. Always check your local maritime regulations to verify the rules and regulations for your area, as failure to carry the required safety equipment can result in fines.

How many flares are needed on a boat?

Flares are one of many components of required boating safety equipment. The number of flares required depends on the size of the boat.

6 m or less: 3 flares, not counting smoke signals
Between 6 m and 9 m: 6 flares, not counting smoke signals
Between 9 m and 12 m: 12 flares, at least half of which are not smoke signals
Over 12 m: 12 flares, at least half of which are not smoke signals

What is a common feature of all distress flares?

All distress flares are valid for four years after the date they are manufactured. You can find the date stamped on the device. Expired flares must be disposed of according to manufacturer instructions.

Where should distress flares be stored?

Distress flares should be stored vertically in a cool, dry place, ideally a watertight container. It’s important to keep them away from heat sources, flammable liquids and gas. They should be kept close at hand so that they are easily accessible in the event of an emergency.

What should I do before using distress flares?

First and foremost, check that the flares are in good working condition. Read the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly for each specific type of flare you carry; firing mechanisms and deployment procedures can vary significantly.Verify their expiration date, as expired flares may not function reliably. If you have expired flares, you are responsible for disposing of them properly according to local regulations.

Assess whether you are experiencing a genuine emergency. Decide wheteher your flares are likely to be seen by rescuers (e.g., another vessel or aircraft in sight, or within reasonable distance of shore). When ready to use, consider the wind direction and any obstructions, and always hold the flare downwind and away from your body and the vessel to prevent burns or accidental ignition of flammable materials.

When is it legal to test a flare?

It is generally always illegal to test or discharge a distress flare, since they are regulated safety devices designed for signaling distress to attract rescue. Flares can only be used when you are in a genuine emergency situation. Using a flar if there is no emergency can have serious consequences, including fines and unnecessary deployment of search and rescue resources.

When and under what conditions can you deploy handheld flares?

Handheld flares are designed for short-range, line-of-sight signaling and are most effective when you are reasonably sure that a rescuer (another boat, aircraft, or someone on shore) is within visual range. They are particularly useful for pinpointing your exact location once search and rescue efforts are already underway.

Learn more about boating safety from Drive a Boat Canada

If you’re getting ready to start boating, flares aren’t the only thing you’ll need! According to Canadian law, boaters operating motorized vessels are required to have their official Canadian boating licence, called the Pleasure Craft Operator Card, with them at all times.

Register now for our Transport Canada approved boating safety course, take the online boating exam, and get your proof of competency today!