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PECo
Joined: 06 Oct 2009
Posts: 5203
Location: Avon, CT
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 Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2012 3:13 pm Post subject: Visual Distress Signals |
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The Connecticut and USCG boating regulations appear to require that Class 1 boats (i.e., 16 feet to less than 26 feet) carry Visual Distress Signals approved for both daytime use and nighttime use on coastal waters only. Per the 2012 Connecticut Boater's Guide:
| Quote: | Visual Distress Signals (VDS)
Visual distress signals are to be used to summon assistance when in distress.
In the State of Connecticut no VDS are required anywhere except when boating on Long Island Sound (LIS) and on Fishers Island Sound (FIS). |
Has anyone here with a Class 1 boat ever had an official safety inspection in Connecticut? I'm wondering whether EnCon is aware that Visual Distress Signals are NOT required.
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Redneckangler
Joined: 05 May 2012
Posts: 851
Location: Meriden, CT
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| Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2012 4:07 pm Post subject: |
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Though I'm not required to carry a VDS, I have been inspected twice. If you get the safety inspection sticker at the beginning of the season you will largely avoid this. Better have that fire extinguisher!
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Weekly reports from around CT, the LIS and beyond. |
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SeaDog1
Joined: 21 Dec 2009
Posts: 2629
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| Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2012 4:19 pm Post subject: |
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Hi,
My wooden guide boat is only 14'-2" and I am not required to carry VDS.
I do have some though because I do a lot of night fishing.
Better to have some for safety then without !
SeaDog1 |
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SAP284
Joined: 07 Jun 2011
Posts: 655
Location: Central, CT
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| Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2012 4:36 pm Post subject: |
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I've gotten a safety inspection last year, and this year. When I was inspected this year, I was at a Lake and the gentleman didn't seem interested in my flares that I had. When doing the checklist he was more concerned about lights, sound signal, fire ext, and reg. I have a 18ft. I'm pretty sure they are aware. I keep an updated boaters guide in my boat in case they tell me I'm wrong. 
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Steve |
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PECo
Joined: 06 Oct 2009
Posts: 5203
Location: Avon, CT
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| Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2012 4:40 pm Post subject: |
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| SAP284 wrote: | | I've gotten a safety inspection last year, and this year. When I was inspected this year, I was at a Lake and the gentleman didn't seem interested in my flares that I had. When doing the checklist he was more concerned about lights, sound signal, fire ext, and reg. I have a 18ft. I'm pretty sure they are aware. I keep an updated boaters guide in my boat in case they tell me I'm wrong. |
Thanks, Steve. I've ordered a three pack of day/night flares, but just wanted to be sure that they're not really required. They have a shelf life of only 42 months, so if the ones I get are more than a few months old, I'll probably return them.
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SeaDog1
Joined: 21 Dec 2009
Posts: 2629
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| Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2012 5:15 pm Post subject: |
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Hi Phil,
Shelf life is not what you want to base/purchase a VDS appliance on.
All VDS appliances will have (per Federal Law) an expiration date printed on them !
Best to check or ask for that information before purchasing.
Best regards,
SeaDog1 |
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Redneckangler
Joined: 05 May 2012
Posts: 851
Location: Meriden, CT
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| Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2012 5:36 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: | My wooden guide boat is only 14'-2" and I am not required to carry VDS. I do have some though because I do a lot of night fishing. Better to have some for safety then without !
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When I fish at night along the coast a wear a Mustang commercial vest with a waterproof handheld VHF radio , a whistle on a lanyard and a pair of Xenon strobes and a few chem sticks in the pockets. May sound like overkill til the one time you go over and your boat drifts away.
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Weekly reports from around CT, the LIS and beyond. |
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SeaDog1
Joined: 21 Dec 2009
Posts: 2629
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| Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2012 6:01 pm Post subject: |
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Hi RNA,
I have all the same safety equipment you have except I don't carry my portable VHF since most of my fishing is now done on inland waters.
VHF is line of sight radio and doesn't work well inland with hills and trees ! 
Hmmmmm? -> I do think though I should check the battery on the VHF ! 
SeaDog1  |
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angry john
Joined: 30 Jun 2012
Posts: 119
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| Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2012 6:27 pm Post subject: |
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| its good to see that we have safety minded people here. I am thinking up a pack to bring on the yak with me, but i dont think there are any requirements other than life vests. I think i will tailor mine to cold water being that is the most likely threat. |
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PECo
Joined: 06 Oct 2009
Posts: 5203
Location: Avon, CT
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| Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2012 10:00 pm Post subject: |
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| SeaDog1 wrote: | Hi Phil,
Shelf life is not what you want to base/purchase a VDS appliance on.
All VDS appliances will have (per Federal Law) an expiration date printed on them !
Best to check or ask for that information before purchasing.
Best regards,
SeaDog1 |
You say potato. . . . The shelf life of the flares I ordered is 42 months from the date of manufacture, Stephen. If you can handle the math, you'll know when they expire.
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SeaDog1
Joined: 21 Dec 2009
Posts: 2629
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| Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2012 3:02 am Post subject: |
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Hi Phil,
Yes! I know the math all to well because of having to comply with stringent annual USCG vessel inspections  -> And I've ordered hundreds of VDS's during my maritime career and received VDS's from marine supply scources with less then a month of service life before their expiration date.
"Buyer beware"
"It's the expiration date that counts", as to how long the VDS's are good for before you have to replace them.!
42 months from date of manufacturing be damned -> You may get VDS's that may be legally sold with much less actual service time -> 12...24...36 months or less... or the full 42.
Like milk or other foods even batteries, etc. you purchase -> You may get something still saleable with only one day left before their expiration date.
Check the stamped expiration date
SeaDog1  |
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PECo
Joined: 06 Oct 2009
Posts: 5203
Location: Avon, CT
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| Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2012 8:06 pm Post subject: |
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I say potato. . . .
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flippy
Joined: 25 May 2008
Posts: 1150
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| Posted: Sat Mar 16, 2013 7:51 am Post subject: |
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| Phil,, were do you plan on taking your boat,,you will be inspected in time,,flares,,I only had to use them on Champlain,,and my plastic whistle I keep in my glove box is louder than my boat horn,,I also keep a flourescent t shirt in my compartment in case I have to wave it for help,,and dont forget,, if somebody is waving you down,,,YOU MUST STOP,,or they can report you,, You dont need flares in CT in inland waters..Jim |
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PECo
Joined: 06 Oct 2009
Posts: 5203
Location: Avon, CT
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| Posted: Sat Mar 16, 2013 9:43 am Post subject: |
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| flippy wrote: | | Phil,, were do you plan on taking your boat,,you will be inspected in time,,flares,,I only had to use them on Champlain,,and my plastic whistle I keep in my glove box is louder than my boat horn,,I also keep a flourescent t shirt in my compartment in case I have to wave it for help,,and dont forget,, if somebody is waving you down,,,YOU MUST STOP,,or they can report you,, You dont need flares in CT in inland waters..Jim |
I thought you'd just hoist your thong, Jim. Those rhinestones are visible for miles!
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NWDarkcloud
Joined: 23 Apr 2012
Posts: 474
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| Posted: Sat Mar 16, 2013 11:52 am Post subject: |
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they might not be needed but it hurts nothing haveing them onboard the boat . When it comes to safty gear I would rather choose to have what I think is helpful not just what they say I must have
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