How many flares are required for VDS inspection?

How many flares are required for VDS inspection?

• A. Two flares.
• B. Three flares.
• C. No flares.
• D. Four flares.

Answer: (B)

Visual Distress Signals are what you use to attract help if you’re in trouble at sea. For a VDS inspection, you’re required to have three flares on board. This number gives you multiple chances to signal and covers the common scenario where one signal doesn’t ignite or expires. The signals can be a mix of handheld and parachute types, as long as the total count is three and they’re unexpired and accessible. Fewer than three would not meet the inspection requirement, while more than three isn’t required for the inspection itself, though you may choose to carry additional signals.

Visual Distress Signals are what you use to attract help if you’re in trouble at sea. For a VDS inspection, you’re required to have three flares on board. This number gives you multiple chances to signal and covers the common scenario where one signal doesn’t ignite or expires. The signals can be a mix of handheld and parachute types, as long as the total count is three and they’re unexpired and accessible. Fewer than three would not meet the inspection requirement, while more than three isn’t required for the inspection itself, though you may choose to carry additional signals.