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If you use flares to meet the visual distress signal rule, how many are required?

Three for day and three for night at minimum.

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  1. Three for day and three for night ✔
  2. One for day and one for night
  3. Six for night only

Why: The Coast Guard guide says pyrotechnic signals need a minimum of three for day use and three for night use. Some red flares are approved for both, so they count toward each.

Huh, didn't know that: Three hand-held red flares approved for day and night use meet the whole requirement by themselves.

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Why did the flare get good grades? It was very bright.
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References

Answer: Three for day and three for night. The Coast Guard guide says pyrotechnic signals need a minimum of three for day use and three for night use. Some red flares are approved for both, so they count toward each.

  1. USCG A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats (2023) www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/AssetManager/Boaters-Guide-to-Federal-Requirements-for-Receational-Boats-20231108.pdf
    a minimum of three signals are required for day use and three signals for night use.
    Checked 2026-10-08.
  2. 33 CFR 175.130 Visual distress signals accepted (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/section-175.130
    the combination of two hand held red flares (160.021), and one parachute red flare (160.024 or 160.036) meets both day and night requirements
    Checked 2026-10-08.

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