Buoyant smoke signal

Life boats and liferafts are required to be equipped with materials necessary for survival.  Among these equipment would be a buoyant smoke signal which shall be governed by the following specifications according to the International Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code under the auspices of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) 1974:

The buoyant smoke signal shall:

1. be contained in a water-resistant casing;
2. not ignite explosively when used in accordance with the manufacturer's operating instructions;
3. have brief instructions or diagrams clearly illustrating the use of the buoyant smoke signal printed on its casing;
4. emit smoke of a highly visible colour at a uniform rate for a period of not less than 3 min when floating in calm water;
5. not emit any flame during the entire smoke emission time;
6. not be swamped in a seaway; and
7. continue to emit smoke when submerged in water for a period of 10 s under 100 mm of water.

Two buoyant smoke signals complying with the above specifications are required for lifeboats and liferafts.

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