Distress Flags & Signal Flags for Boats

Distress Flags for Boats and Signal Flags for Boats Resources and Information

Looking for a reliable boat distress flag or USCG-compliant signal flags? PartsVu carries a large selection of marine distress flags for boaters and signal flag kits from trusted brands like Taylor, Orion, Seachoice, and Kwik Tek.

Looking for more boating and marine products? Check out our complete selection of Products and Accessories or shop our broader categories of Boating Accessories and Boating Safety Equipment and Boat Safety Equipment, Lifejackets, & Personal Floatation Devices.

All flags we offer are manufactured by top marine safety brands and meet U.S. Coast Guard safety standards where applicable.

Distress Flags and Signal Flags FAQs

You’d be surprised how many people head out without a proper distress flag on board. It’s not just about following the rules—it’s about being ready for whatever the water throws your way.

What are the US Coastguard guidelines concerning life jackets?

While you must refer to the boating regulations within your state, minimum U.S. federal law requires a life jacket to be carried for each person on board. In states where no children’s life jacket law is in place, a U.S. Coast Guard interim rule requires children under 13 on moving boats to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket that fits. Personal flotation device (PDF) guidelines are provided by the U.S. Coast Guard:

• Type I PFDs/Offshore Life Jackets – Best for all waters including open ocean, rough seas, or remote water, where rescue may be slow.
• Type II PDFs/Near-Shore Buoyant Vests – For general boating activities and good for calm, inland waters, or where there is a good chance for fast rescue.
• Type III PFDs/Flotation Aids – For general boating or the specialized activity that is marked on the device such as water skiing, hunting, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and others. Good for calm, inland waters, or where there is a good chance for fast rescue. These PDFs are designed to complement the given watersport.

PartsVu offers a wide range of life jackets. See the links below for our most recommended or click here to view our complete selection.

• Type II Universal Adult Life Vest – 4 Pack with Storage Bag

• Youth Life Vests

• Child Life Vests

• Mustang Type III Inflatable PFD’s – Multiple Colors To Choose From

Why should I get a marine first aid kit?

Smart boating involves being prepared to address injuries or even medical emergencies out on the water. The type of first aid or medical kit needed depends on the type of boating being pursued. For example, near-shore boating in frequently traveled areas likely requires only a fairly basic first aid kit to treat minor cuts, insect stings, sunburns, and other similar injuries. However, offshore boating requires being prepared for true medical emergencies where help could be a few hours away and lives could be at stake.

PartsVu recommends the following medical kits:

• Orion Safety Products Daytripper First Aid Kit – Great for day trips

• Orion Safety Products Coastal First Aid Kit – Perfect for inshore and near-shore fisherman

• Orion Safety Products Bluewater First Aid Kit – Ideal for coastal cruisers & offshore fisherman

What are some of the most popular boating safety equipment?

Type I, offshore life jackets provide the most buoyancy and are specifically designed for rough, open waters, where rescue might be delayed. They are also designed to turn an unconscious person face-up in the water.

Given that man-overboard situations can be sudden and deadly when boating offshore, automatically inflating PFDs are a must. Automatic inflation relies mostly on a dissolvable bobbin with a spring/pin arrangement. The water dissolves the bobbin, and the spring-powered pin punches the CO2 canister for inflation. Because the spring/pin arrangement can fail, every automatically inflating PFD has a manual cord and oral inflation tube. Many PFDs designed for offshore boating include pockets for PLBs and strobe lights.

A ditch bag must contain the items needed to call for help and to survive in a life raft while waiting for rescue. A ditch bag must be kept in an accessible location on board, ready for immediate removal should the need arise.

We recommend against trying to adapt a duffel bag or using a dry bag. Rather, we advise using bags specifically designed for abandon-ship/survival situations. What features should your ditch bag have? Floatation, water-resistance, bright colors for visibility, carrying straps, and tethers for sure. Additionally, we suggest looking for a bag with well-designed dividers so you can organize your gear. Finally, the bag must be large enough to contain survival gear plus food and water for you and all others on board.

A life raft is designed to keep the passengers of a sunk, capsized, or burned boat alive until they can be rescued. Although every offshore boater hopes to never need their life raft, it is the most important piece of equipment aboard. Life rafts leave the passengers aboard with little protection from the elements but are designed for visibility to aid with rescue efforts. Although much-needed safety devices, they should only be used as a last resort. Whenever possible, it is safer to stay aboard your main vessel even if it is damaged.

Whether you need a boater’s distress flag for emergencies or signal flags for communication, PartsVu offers fast shipping and great prices on boating safety essentials.

You can learn more useful information about the Boat Safety Basics from our dedicated article.

What are the US Coast Guard’s Requirements for my boat’s fire extinguisher?

Fire extinguisher requirements will depend on the age of the vessel, its size, and whether or not a fire extinguishing system is in place.

For Boats 2018 & Newer:

For powerboats less than 26′, you need a minimum of one 5-B or 20-B rated fire extinguisher that are date stamped. Vessels between 26′ – 40′ require two of these. This applies to boats without an existing fire extinguishing system.

If your boat has a fire extinguishing system built-in, you may reduce the requirement by one unit. So, in this case, a powerboat with a fire extinguishing system that measures less than 26′ would need no additional fire extinguishers, while boats measuring 26′ – 40′ would require only one.

For Boats Made between 1953 – 2017:

For powerboats less than 26′, you need at least one B-1 fire extinguisher (a 5-pound fire extinguisher) on board. Boats 26′ – 40′ must carry a minimum of two B-1 fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers have expiration dates, so boaters need to be mindful of that. This rule applies to boats without an existing fire extinguishing system.

If your boat has a fire extinguishing system built-in, you may again reduce the requirement by one unit. So, in this case, a powerboat with a fire extinguishing system that measures less than 26′ would need no additional fire extinguishers, while boats measuring 26′ – 40′ would require only one.

Why should boaters follow safety regulations?

Boating on various waterways is similar to automobiles out on the roads and highways—safety devices are designed to keep people safe. Thousands of accidents occur, many of which have a high probability of injury and a substantial number of cases resulting in death.

Specifically, in 2020 the Coast Guard counted 5,265 recreational boating accidents resulting in 767 deaths, 3,191 injuries, and approximately $62.5 million of property damage. Where the cause of death was known, 75% of fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those drowning victims with reported life jacket usage, 86% were not wearing a life jacket.

Since most accidents occur unexpectedly, there may not be sufficient time to put on a life jacket, especially when stowed away in a locker. In cases where a person is thrown overboard, it is harder than you think to get them back on board, which can be assisted with proper equipment. Always be sure personal floatation devices (PFDs) are in good and serviceable condition. For extra protection, equip your PFDs with a whistle and emergency light.

Be prepared on the water with a USCG-recognized distress flag for boating. Browse our selection of marine distress flags and boater signal flags designed for visibility, durability, and regulatory compliance.

What is the required distress flag for boaters?

The U.S. Coast Guard requires boats over 16 feet in coastal waters to carry a visual distress signal. A marine distress flag—typically orange with a black square and black circle—is a recognized daytime distress signal.

When should a distress signal flag be used on a boat?

Use a distress flag for boating emergencies during daylight hours when you're in trouble and need assistance. It should be flown high and visible to alert nearby vessels or rescue personnel.

Do all boats need a distress flag?

Boats over 16 feet operating in U.S. coastal waters, the Great Lakes, or high seas are required by the Coast Guard to carry day and night visual distress signals. A boater’s distress flag qualifies as a daytime signal.

TL;DR: Every Boater Needs a Distress Flag

A distress signal flag for boats is a must-have safety item that meets USCG regulations and helps alert nearby boats in case of emergency. Choose from trusted brands at PartsVu and make sure you’re prepared for any situation on the water.