Last issue we asked some questions about visual distress signals. The rule is that you need three types of distress signaling capability for day and three for night (low-light conditions).

If you are on inland waters, you do not need to have pyrotechnic devises. If you do have pyrotechnic (e.g., flares, smoke) devices, bear in mind that they have an expiration date on the units and should be discarded and replaced on a regular basis.

Remember also that when you use the pyrotechnic device, you need to ensure the best chance that it will be seen and that great care must be observed when igniting the unit so as not to cause harm to yourself and property.

Whether you have been boating for a long time or are just getting interested in boating, it is a fun sport and to keep it fun, we must stay out of trouble.

Much of boating can be related to driving a car. For those of us who drive a car, we do it on a fairly regular basis so most of the actions become routine/rote.

However, since boating is a sport many of us do not have a chance to do that often, we can forget some of the principles of safe boating. That is why we of the USSPS recommend everyone take or re-take a basic boating course to learn (or re-learn) the proper rules on the water.

For seasoned boaters, you can keep your good habits and know they are correct. For new boaters, come and discover the right way to do things before you get in trouble.

Start off the boating fun in the correct and safe manner. For more information please go to www.phoenix-usps.org or call (602) 810-3684.

This Issue’s Questions (to be answered in the next issue)
• What is the correct traffic flow on a lake and when can it be different?
• On the water, who has the right of way?
• Under the captain, who is the most important person (and required) person?