46 CFR 28.145: Distress signals.

Except as provided by 28.305, each vessel must be equipped with the distress signals specified in table 28.145.

Table 28.145—Distress Signals

Area Devices required

Ocean, more than 50 miles from coastline 3 parachute flares, approval series 160.136; plus 6 hand flares, approval series 160.121; plus 3 smoke signals, approval series 160.122.

Ocean, 3-50 miles from the coastline; or more than 3 miles from the coastline on the Great Lakes 3 parachute flares, approval series 160.136, or 160.036; plus 6 hand flares, approval series 160.121 or 160.021; plus 3 smoke signals, approval series 160.122, 160.022, or 160.037.

Coastal waters, excluding the Great Lakes; or within 3 miles of the coastline on the Great Lakes Night visual distress signals consisting of one electric distress light, approval series 161.013 or 3 approved flares; plus Day visual distress signals consisting of one distress flag, approval series 160.072, or 3 approved flares, or 3 approved smoke signals.1

1 If flares are carried, the same 3 flares may be counted toward meeting both the day and night requirement.