---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 169.553"
title: "46"
number: "169.553"
heading: "Pyrotechnic distress signals."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/169.553"
---

# §169.553. Pyrotechnic distress signals.

- (a) All pyrotechnic distress signals must be of an approved type.
- (b) Replacement must be made no later than the first inspection for certification or reinspection after the date of expiration.
- (c) Except as otherwise provided in this section, each vessel must carry the following pyrotechnic distress signals:
  - (1) 6 hand red flare distress signals, and 6 hand orange smoke distress signals; or,
  - (2) 12 hand held rocket propelled parachute red flare distress signals.
- (d) [Reserved]
- (e) All pyrotechnic distress signals must be carried near the helm or in a location considered suitable by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.
- (f) All pyrotechnic distress signals must be stowed in a portable watertight container.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1321(j); 46 U.S.C. 3306, 6101; Pub. L. 103-206, 107 Stat. 2439; E.O. 11735, 38 FR 21243, 3 CFR, 1971-1975 Comp., p. 793; DHS Delegation 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4; § 169.117 also issued under the authority of 44 U.S.C. 3507.

### Source

Source: CGD 83-005, 51 FR 896, Jan. 9, 1986, unless otherwise noted.