Types of Pyrotechnics on Ship: 5 Must-Have Pyrotechnics for Safety

When it comes to maritime safety, preparedness is paramount. Whether you're aboard a commercial vessel or a recreational boat, having the right safety equipment can make all the difference in emergency situations at sea. 

Among the essential safety tools are pyrotechnics, which play a crucial role in signaling distress and ensuring a swift response from rescue teams. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the five must-have pyrotechnics on a ship, highlighting their significance in maritime safety.

Importance of Pyrotechnics on Ship

Before delving into the specifics of essential pyrotechnics for maritime safety, it's crucial to understand their fundamental importance on board a ship. Pyrotechnics serve as vital tools for distress signaling and emergency communication when traditional means may fail. 

Here's why they are indispensable:

• Universal Distress Signal: Pyrotechnics are recognized worldwide as a universal distress signal. In situations where radio communication is compromised or ineffective, these visual signals can quickly alert nearby vessels, aircraft, and rescue services to a ship in distress.

• High Visibility: Pyrotechnics are designed to be highly visible, even from a considerable distance. They emit bright flames or dense smoke, ensuring that they can be spotted during both day and night, as well as in adverse weather conditions.

• Swift Response: When a distress signal is successfully communicated through pyrotechnics, it expedites the response of rescue teams. This rapid response can make a significant difference in saving lives and mitigating potential disasters at sea.

The Significance of Pyrotechnics on Ship

Pyrotechnic devices are designed to emit visible signals, making them indispensable in situations where communication via radio or other means may not be possible. They serve as a universal distress signal, helping vessels in distress to attract the attention of nearby ships, aircraft, and rescue services. 

Let's delve into the details of these five must-have pyrotechnics for safety on a ship:

1. Hand Flares

Hand flares are handheld devices that emit a bright red flame, providing high visibility during both day and night. They are crucial for pinpointing the location of a distressed vessel. 

Hand flares are known for their easy and safe handling, making them an essential part of any ship's safety equipment.

Specifications:

• Approval: SOLAS/MED/USCG/CE Approved

• Features: Easy and safe handling, fired from the cold side for added safety, bright red flame for at least 60 seconds at 15,000 candela

Hand flares are typically fired from the cold side of the vessel, adding an extra layer of safety. The bright red flame, which can burn for at least 60 seconds at 15,000 candela, ensures that they are visible even from a considerable distance.

2. Parachute Rocket Flares

Parachute rocket flares are designed to reach significant heights when fired, ensuring a wide and visible range. 

These flares are particularly effective for signaling distress over long distances. Their bright red flame and long burn time make them highly visible, even in adverse weather conditions.

Specifications:

• Approval: SOLAS/MED/USCG/CE Approved

• Features: Easy and safe handling, flare ejected at 350m for a long viewing range, fired from the cold side for added safety, bright red flame for at least 40 seconds at 30,000 candela

These flares are equipped with a parachute that deploys upon firing, allowing them to reach heights of up to 350 meters. The bright red flame, which lasts for at least 40 seconds at 30,000 candela, provides a clear and unmistakable distress signal.

3. Buoyant Smoke Signals

Buoyant smoke signals are invaluable for marking the location of a vessel in distress. They produce dense orange smoke, which can be seen from a considerable distance, aiding rescue teams in locating and reaching the distressed vessel quickly.

Specifications:

• Approval: SOLAS/MED/USCG/CE Approved

• Features: Easy and safe handling, small and lightweight, dense orange smoke for at least 3 minutes

These compact and lightweight devices are easy to handle, even in challenging conditions. Their dense orange smoke, which lasts for at least 3 minutes, ensures that they provide a reliable distress signal when needed.

4. MOB (Man OverBoard) Smoke Signals 

The MOB (Man Overboard) smoke signals serve a dual purpose. It produces dense orange smoke for daytime visibility and emits a light for nighttime visibility. This versatility makes it an essential tool for emergency situations at sea.

Specifications:

• Approval: SOLAS/MED Approved

• Features: Emergency signal or positioning marking during day and night, produces dense orange smoke for 15m in combination, and light for at least 2 hours

These signals are designed to cover both day and night signaling needs. During the day, they produce dense orange smoke visible for up to 15 meters, while at night, they emit a steady light for at least 2 hours. This combination ensures visibility in various conditions.

5. Line Throwing Apparatus

While not a traditional pyrotechnic, the line-throwing apparatus plays a critical role in maritime safety. It is used to launch a line to another vessel or to shore, enabling a secure line connection for rescue or towing purposes.

Features:

• Throws line 300 meters

• Easy to use

• Robust and waterproof

• Integral handle

The line throwing apparatus can be a lifesaver in situations where a secure line connection is needed quickly. It can throw a line up to 300 meters, making it suitable for various rescue scenarios. Its robust and waterproof design ensures reliability even in adverse weather conditions.

Conclusion

The safety of crew members and passengers at sea should always be a top priority. Equipping your vessel with these five must-have pyrotechnics ensures that you have the necessary tools to signal distress, attract attention, and facilitate a swift response from rescue teams. 

When it comes to maritime safety, being prepared can make all the difference.

At Marinetech Safety & Shipping Corporation, we offer a comprehensive range of pyrotechnics and safety equipment to meet the needs of the maritime industry. 

Our SOLAS/MED/USCG/CE-approved pyrotechnics are designed for reliability and effectiveness, ensuring that you have the best tools at your disposal when safety is paramount.