14 foot requirements

[FishinJoe]

I keep reading the regs and keep getting different answers and more confused. If I am at say the mouth of the Detroit River in Lake Erie do I need signal flares? I already have a whistle and flotation devices but keep getting mixed answers on the flares.

[Michigander1]

I keep reading the regs and keep getting different answers and more confused. If I am at say the mouth of the Detroit River in Lake Erie do I need signal flares? I already have a whistle and flotation devices but keep getting mixed answers on the flares.VDS Visual Distress Signals. Recreational boats less then 16 feet on coastal waters or the Great Lakes need only carry night visual distress signals when operating from sunset to sunrise.BTW the flares are only good for 3 yrs so check your dates on them,Mich

[FishinJoe]

If I read it correctly If I have a strobe light or flashlight I will be within the law? I would rather have everything figured out before I get a fine for it.

[Michigander1]

If I read it correctly If I have a strobe light or flashlight I will be within the law? I would rather have everything figured out before I get a fine for it. You plan to be out at night ?

[FishinJoe]

I really don't plan to be out much past dusk but I do have a bow and stern light and would like to have all the requirements just in case the situation arises.

[Michigander1]

I really don't plan to be out much past dusk but I do have a bow and stern light and would like to have all the requirements just in case the situation arises.
Item 4 - Visual Distress Signals (VDS):
Recreational boats 16 feet and over used on coastal waters or the Great Lakes are required to carry a minimum of either 1) three day and three night pyrotechnic devices, 2) one day non-pyrotechnic device (flag) and one night non-pyrotechnic device (auto SOS light) or 3) a combination of 1) and 2). Recreational boats less than 16 feet on coastal waters or the Great Lakes need only carry night visual distress signals when operating from sunset to sunrise.
It is recommended, but not required, that boats operating on inland waters should have some means of making a suitable day and night distress signal. The number and type of signals is best judged by considering conditions under which the boat will be operating. Alternatives to pyrotechnic devices (flares) include: I would just be safe and say i have a 16 fter.Heres a link that most Boaters should check out. http://Safetyseal.net . Go to the Virtual VSC click .You can even take a test Online to see if you will pass ;) ,Be Safe,Mich

http://safetyseal.net/vsc_images/flares.jpg

[Ferg]

The last post is clear - However, from an old Coasties point of view - you should have them - if your fishing until 'dusk' - and let's just say - you can't get your motor fired back up for the return trip and adrift you go - You and your family will thank the flares :)

for the money - they are very cheap insurance.

ferg....

[FishinJoe]

Thanks for all the responses, I will be picking some up this week before I head back out. As always a bunch of helpful people on this site. Thanks again!

Joe