Pyrotechnics are widely used to send distress signals at sea.
Pyro technical means used to attract attention; Any of the following signals indicates that a vessel or person is in distress and requires immediate assistance.
The parachute flare produces a bright red light, visible both at night and during the day. When launched in a vertical direction, the rocket soars to a height of at least 300 m, and in clear weather its fire is visible at a distance of up to 20-30 miles. The rocket descends on its parachute at a speed of no more than 5 m/s, and the burning duration of the pyrotechnic composition is 40 s.
A flare is a pyrotechnic cartridge that produces a bright red fire. In clear weather, the fire is visible from a distance of about 6 miles. While burning, the flare is held in the hand. Do not look into the fire, as this can cause severe eye injury.
The flare burns for 60 seconds. The flare continues to burn after being immersed in water to a depth of 10 cm for 10 s.
A smoke bomb is used to send a signal to daytime. She creates a cloud of thick smoke orange color. Smoke formation continues for at least 3 minutes and is not interrupted when the checker is immersed in water for 10 s to a depth of 10 cm.
The body of the saber quickly heats up to a high temperature, therefore, in order not to burn your hands, the saber must be thrown into the water as soon as the smoke generator begins to operate. You need to throw the saber downwind relative to the rescue device, so that the wind blows the smoke to the side and there is no danger of suffocating from the smoke.
All pyrotechnics require maximum caution when used. Each such device is supplied with instructions containing instructions on the procedure for giving the corresponding signal and precautions. The instructions are printed on the body (sleeve) of the signaling device. The procedure is illustrated with pictograms, which allows this tool to be used by a person who does not speak the language in which the instructions are written. Under no circumstances should you use pyrotechnics against the wind.
DETAILS:
Parachute rocket
Parachute rocket- This is a signaling device designed for the possible detection of a rescue vehicle at a long distance.
STORAGE: Location:
Navigation bridge - 12 pcs.
Lifeboat - 4 pcs.
BEST BEFORE DATE:
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE:
PARACHUTE ROCKETSPAINSWESSEX
open the top cover
The parachute rocket should be used in the most suitable conditions for detection by a ship on the horizon.
The rocket rises to a height of more than 300 meters. In the upper trajectory, burning red, the missile releases a parachute, allowing it to be at a sufficient altitude to be detected within 40 seconds.
STORAGE: Location:
Navigation bridge - 12 pcs.
Life raft - 2 or 4 pcs.
Lifeboat - 4 pcs.
BEST BEFORE DATE:
The service life and instructions for use are marked on the rocket.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE:
PARACHUTE ROCKETSPAINSWESSEX
open the top cover
open the bottom cover and pull the safety pin to release the trigger
hold the rocket tightly and be ready to launch
aiming downwind, vertically up, pull the trigger up
see explanatory drawings on the rocket
The parachute distress signal flare is red, the take-off altitude is not less than 300 m, the burning duration is 40 s and the descent speed is not more than 5 m/s.
The rocket grenade is sound and emits a distress signal with an audibility range of at least 5 miles.
Single-star rocket - red, take-off height of at least 8 m, burn duration of at least 6 seconds; used in rescue operations.
A flare is a cardboard or plastic sleeve. filled with pyrotechnic composition; activated by an incendiary device; while burning it is held in the hands. The white flare burns for 20s and serves to attract attention, the red flare burns for 60s and is a distress signal.
FALSE FIRE HANSSON PUROTECH
open the lid
pull out the starting line with the ring
pull the ring at arm's length away from you
A smoke bomb is included in the lifeboat signaling kit. Once activated, it is thrown overboard, where it creates an orange smoke cloud within 3 minutes, visible at a distance of 3 miles.
SMOKE BOMBHANSSON PUROTECH
open the lid
pull the loop
throw the checker into the water
Luminous and light-smoking buoys attached to lifebuoys placed on the wings of the navigation bridge. When the buoy hits the water, a light signal lasting at least 45 minutes or an Orange light-smoke signal lasting at least 15 minutes automatically turns on. The design of the buoys ensures their reliable operation when dropped from a height of 25 m or more.
When using pyrotechnics, the following safety rules must be strictly observed:
only crew members who have undergone special instructions can use pyrotechnics, which is documented in the protocol of the qualification commission;
there should be no people nearby when launching rockets;
It is prohibited to direct the flight of missiles towards ships, coastal structures, or people;
pyrotechnics that did not work when put into operation must be immediately flooded (thrown overboard);
it is prohibited to disassemble rockets and launch sound rockets from the source;
Impacts and shocks are not allowed when storing and using rockets and bombs;
a line-throwing missile must only be launched with a line attached to it.
Pyrotechnics must be stored in special waterproof metal boxes installed outdoors.
the bridge, and for lifeboats - in special containers; The rocket launchers are kept by the captain.
Pyrotechnics that have expired must be replaced.
The use of open flames and smoking near the storage of pyrotechnics and during their use is strictly prohibited
The detection range of a single human figure, as well as a small group of people, when observed in the daytime from an aircraft flying at an altitude of 200 m, is: in summer - 1 - 1.5 km, in winter - 1.6 - 1.8 km. To increase the effectiveness of visual search, victims need to use additional technical means, which primarily include signal light-smoke-sound pyrotechnics of varying power and purpose (parachute flares, flare guns, mortar cartridges, high-pressure guns, flares, smoke bombs, etc.).
There are few emergency kits that do not include one or more flares. There are many types of signal, lighting and other flares (single- and multi-star, red, white, green, etc.) designed for emergency and other signaling, lighting, and other highly specialized purposes.
! A distress signal is usually considered to be one or more bright red or crimson stars, released one by one at short intervals using a flare pistol, or the long red light of a gliding parachute rocket (Fig. 10).
The lights of any other rockets, fired in series of three, with short intervals between shots, can be interpreted as a distress signal.
Small flare has a diameter of 32 mm, length 230 mm, weight 190 g. The height of the sprocket is 150 m, the burning time is 6 - 12 s.
Parachute distress rocket(RPSP-40, PRB-40, RB-40Sh) with a diameter of 44 mm, a length of 212 mm, a weight of 390 g, it is distinguished by a more intense and longer glow of the signal star and a higher height of its rise (up to 300 m). The color of the star is only red. The duration of the light signal can be 30 seconds or more. The radiance power reaches 40 thousand candles. Under favorable weather conditions, the light signal of a large parachute rocket can be seen 25 - 30 km from the launch site at night and several kilometers during the day (Fig. 11).
Flares of colored lights They have a similar appearance and size to a parachute, but a much wider color range: one- and two-star signals of red, white, green and yellow lights. Duration of glow - 5 - 40 s. There is also a special sonic rocket, exploding at an altitude of 300 m with a loud sound similar to a cannon shot (Figure 12).
Combined flare, similar in appearance, but slightly larger in size (diameter 41 mm, length 255 mm, weight 450 g), gives a light and sound signal at an altitude of 200 m: five red lights burning for 5 s, and a howling sound lasting 8 s.
Here is an excerpt from the instructions for using flares:
1. Take the rocket to left hand so that your fingers tightly cover the metal sleeve of the trigger tube, and your palm does not cover the cap.
2. Unscrew the cap with your right hand, carefully release the cord with the ring, and take the ring in your right hand.
3. Give the rocket the required direction: keep flares at an angle of 50 - 60°, signal flares - at an angle of 70 - 90°. IN winter time It is recommended to increase the firing angle of flares.
4. Produce right hand along the axis of the rocket, a sharp jerk of the lanyard towards itself (Fig. 13).
5. If there is no longer a need to use the rocket, then place the cord with the ring inside the rocket and screw on the cap.
The disadvantages of missiles include their significant size and weight.
Nowadays, instead of parachute rockets, small ones are sometimes used mortar cartridges, launched using a special mechanism, slightly larger in size than a fountain pen and, by the way, shaped like a fountain pen. When fired, the mortar, exploding at a height of 50 - 80 m, forms a bright star that burns in the sky for about 5 seconds and can be seen at a distance of up to 7 - 10 km (Fig. 14).
Another type of mortars used in domestic army kits is shown in rice. 15.
In hunting stores you can now find a civilian version of mortars called “Pyrotechnic Hunter Signal”. Kit includes trigger and red, yellow and green light cartridges (Fig. 16).
To bring the “fountain pen” into combat platoon it is necessary; screw the mortar onto the nozzle, having first removed the safety cap from it, cock the mainspring, pressing the shutter button all the way and fixing it in a special cutout on the body. Now, to fire a shot, it is enough to point the “fountain pen” into the sky at an angle of 80 - 90° and push the shutter button thumb from the groove.
Tourists, climbers and other amateur travelers most often take flare gun cartridges with them on a hike as an emergency signal device. True, they abandoned the rocket launcher itself due to its excessive size and weight and are making it from aluminum alloy homemade short-barreled rocket launchers, the weight of which does not exceed 50 g. Drawings of such rocket launchers can be found in special tourist literature.
Hunting stores sometimes sell special signal cartridges that can be fired from an ordinary hunting rifle. There are also various signal pistol and rifle tracer cartridges. All of them are designed to give an emergency signal from military and hunting rifled weapons.
IN Lately Gas weapons have become widespread, which, in addition to the well-known tear and noise cartridges, are also capable of firing light-signal charges. You just need to make sure that the loaded clip contains at least several similar cartridges. Because it is difficult to inform the search rescuers about yourself with tear stuffing. Is it just enough to cry about forgotten at home there are signal charges in the nightstand.
! It should be taken into account that the light power of such auxiliary ammunition, the height of the charge ejection and the burning time of the signal star are much lower than that of parachute flares. Therefore, it is better to have more of them and shoot only when there is a chance that they will be noticed.
Signal cartridges for night and day action(PSND), having a cylindrical body with a length of 172 mm, a diameter of 35 mm and a weight of 190 g (Fig. 17), enjoy well-deserved recognition among travelers. Their operating principle is the same as that of rockets. The cartridge is activated by pulling the ignition cord. Just remember: the location of the trigger cord in the signal cartridge is opposite to the rocket! That is, the signal is triggered in the same direction as the cord is pulled! If you forget about this and pull the cord not away from yourself, but out of a rocket habit - towards yourself, you can severely burn your face (Fig. 18)!
! The starting cord of the PSND is located in the same place where the signal nozzle is facing!
The detection limit of the PSND night signal (bright orange or crimson flame) reaches 15 - 20 km at night, if observed from an airplane flying at an altitude of 500 m. The daytime signal (crimson smoke) from the same height can be seen at a distance up to 5 - 8 km. When observing from the bridge of a ship, the detection limit of night and day signals is reduced by 20 - 30%. A daytime smoke signal is best read against the background of snow, ice, or water, but in the sands of the desert or in dense forests it may not be noticed at three hundred paces. The action of the signal cartridge is short-term - no more than 10 - 20 s. In order not to confuse the sides of the signal cartridge in the dark, we must remember that the cover of the “day” signal is flat and even, while the “night” signal has a recess.
In addition, there are special flares, torch-candles, smoke bombs and similar pyrotechnic means that can burn longer, sometimes up to 10 minutes or more. They are usually used for emergency search alarms in transport, environmental and other departments.
Red fire flare designed to provide a distress signal. Its length is 225 mm, diameter 37 mm, weight about 250 g. The burning time of the light signal is 60 s, the luminous intensity is 10 thousand candles. (Fig. 19).
Ground signal cartridge has half the size and weight and, accordingly, shorter duration and brightness of the light signal. All flares are activated by pulling the trigger cord.
I'll mention torch-candle, applied in railway transport to give an emergency signal to a train approaching the accident site. Or rather, it was once used, but is now being replaced everywhere by more modern radio engineering means of emergency communication. A torch-candle is the same false fire, which for convenience has two retractable wire handles. They allow you to keep your hand at a safe distance from the open flame and promote complete combustion of the flare (Fig. 20).
If it is necessary to give a signal, the handles, pressed to the body of the torch-candle by two cardboard rims, are extended to their full length, the upper, protective cap is removed and inside is struck along the protruding ignition wick. If the cap is missing or wet, the torch-candle can be lit using the side wall of a matchbox or from the flame of a match or lighter. The torch-candle burns for 10 minutes (which distinguishes it favorably from other false flares) with a bright red pulsating flame, and the strongest flash is observed in the first seconds of combustion.
If you have a choice, it is better to choose torch-candles that are not afraid of moisture. There are even those that can burn while completely immersed in water.
Due to its long life, flares can be used to make fires in bad weather.
A few words should be said about the various types that have appeared on mass sale and cannot be listed by name. Chinese and the like fireworks (Fig. 21). As signaling devices, all these rockets, firecrackers, “bugs”, “butterflies”, “planes”, lights, sparklers and similar firecrackers are not very reliable. First of all, because they are poorly made and are not intended for operation in difficult weather conditions. Hence the frequent misfires, incomplete combustion light charges, the inability to calculate the flight path of the signal star.
Such primitive pyrotechnics are extremely difficult to transport and use in real emergency conditions. But it’s still possible if nothing more reliable is at hand. It is better to be able to give at least some signal than none at all! Moreover, unlike all other pyrotechnic means, holiday fireworks have two undeniable advantages- low cost and availability. And no matter how you dissuade potential travelers from purchasing them, they still may not listen to good advice.
When choosing such improvised signaling means, you should prefer pyrotechnics made at domestic defense factories (they are most similar to real ones flares and flares), or pyrotechnics of industrially developed countries. Such fireworks are more reliable and safe to use than those assembled in semi-handicraft workshops in developing countries. It is better to choose not “paper” cases, but those made at least from thick pressed cardboard with metal reinforcing rings. Housings must have maximum hardness and tightness.
! And most importantly: of all the rockets, sparklers and similar festive pyrotechnic products intended for fireworks, only those that have an ORANGE-RED signal can be used as emergency signaling devices! Red is the common color of disaster! All the others, of course, can also attract attention and help be interpreted as ordinary fireworks.
All of the listed festive signaling devices should be tested in action before you take them with you into the forest: shoot and see how high the light star rises, where it flies, how long it burns, how much bad weather influences it and strong wind and so on. If the light signals are not bright enough and burn out quickly, then it is better to launch rockets, replacing quality with quantity, a “bush”, that is, several at once or one after another, with short intervals so that the next one has time to flare up before the previous one goes out.
! Such signal consumer goods should be handled even more carefully than “combat missiles.” You need to carefully study the instructions for use and make several “practice” shootings.
It must be remembered that all parachute flares, PSND and some other pyrotechnic signaling devices are structurally prepared for firing, and therefore they should be handled as if they were a loaded weapon, taking special care! If a rocket misfires, you must hold it in the firing position for at least 30 seconds, without pointing it at people! All memos and instructions instruct to throw away unfired rockets and categorically prohibit repairing failed pyrotechnics. In the same way, they warn against using pyrotechnics that have expired (usually 3 - 4 years).
Approaching a rocket while there is a fire burning underneath it is STRICTLY UNACCEPTABLE!
Until the fire completely burns out and the rocket body cools down!
The detection range of pyrotechnic distress signals largely (sometimes to a decisive extent!) depends on the location of their origin. Even the most powerful rocket can be launched in such a place and at such a time that no one will ever see it.
First of all, you need to take into account the time of day and weather conditions. A bright star in the sky during the day is almost invisible, while at night it attracts attention from many kilometers away. Therefore, during daylight hours it is better to use smoke signals, saving the rocket for the dark. In the same way, a rocket launched into a cloud that accidentally floats above your head can disappear without any benefit. Therefore, if possible, delay the signal for a few seconds, wait for the clouds to pass, or try to get into a part of the sky free of clouds or fog.
To work with flares and smoke bombs, you should choose elevated points of the relief. In this case, you must try to ensure that on the leeward side, where the smoke will be carried, there is an open space - a reservoir, a glacier, a clearing.
!When giving a signal, any pyrotechnic means should be held at arm's length, with the nozzle facing away from you. There should be no people standing on the leeward side, nor should there be flammable or fire-resistant objects. It is strictly unacceptable to direct missiles and ammunition towards rescue planes, helicopters, ships!
When using rockets, you should take into account the direction and strength of the wind, which can strongly blow away the parachute with the signal star burning underneath it. If you want the signal to burn above your head, shoot slightly into the wind.
Another purely “rocket” mistake is to underestimate the force of its recoil. This is especially true for large parachute rockets! If you do not hold the rocket casing tightly enough, it may jerk downward and slip out of your hands when fired. I was once able to verify this by giving a light (not an emergency) signal in the winter taiga. The mittens, frozen to the point of ice, did not allow us to squeeze our fingers with sufficient force, and for this reason the rocket fired in two directions at once: with an asterisk - into the sky, with a cartridge case - into the ground. It was only by miracle that the light charge that did not follow its trajectory did not burn my hair. But it could have been worse, much worse. For example, during a rock concert on Palace Square in St. Petersburg, a rocket unexpectedly fired into the crowd hit the temple and outright killed a spectator standing nearby. That is why the rocket should only be taken bare hand, after wiping your palm and fingers dry.
And one more very important advice. Most pyrotechnics have a one-time effect, that is, having given a signal once, it cannot be repeated. Therefore, it is necessary to send a signal from as close a distance as possible and only when there is confidence that it will be noticed. For example, when you see a rescue plane or ship or clearly hear the increasing noise of running engines.
On the other hand, if you have a supply of disposable pyrotechnics, when a still invisible rescue plane or helicopter approaches, it is better not to skimp on rockets. Here stinginess can do a disservice. The aircraft leading the search is not a city tram, which travels the same route several times a day. A search plane does not always return to a place it has already flown over. Therefore, it is better to give a distress signal (I repeat once again: if you do not feel the need for pyrotechnics!) before it can be detected visually. Point in the direction of the sound, if possible calculating the direction of flight from its increase or decrease. A rocket, having broken through low clouds, can be seen by pilots, while you will never see the plane.
If there is no longer a need to send a signal, the ignition cord with the ring must be carefully placed in the socket intended for the rocket and the protective cap must be screwed on.
While driving, signaling devices must be stored in a place protected from impacts and precipitation and at the same time easily accessible. And during rest stops, keep away from fire. Many pyrotechnics are afraid of heat, intense friction and impacts, from which they can fail or even explode!
In addition to their direct purpose, almost all pyrotechnic signaling devices can be successfully used to scare away predatory animals - polar and brown bears, wolves, jackals, etc.
Although it’s a stretch, the simplest pyrotechnic signaling device can be considered aerosol cans. Anything - from hairspray and other cosmetics to repellents. A jet of aerosol released from a can, if passed through the flame of a match or lighter, flares up with a bright torch several tens of centimeters long, visible from the air for several kilometers. The aerosol should be released in short, no more than 1 - 2 s, presses with 2 - 5 second pauses.
With more long burning an aerosol jet can explode in your hands!
If you need to send a long signal, you should dig the can into the ground, place a flat stone on the start button or pull it back with an elastic band passed through the bottom, place a small torch in the path of the jet and move a few meters to the side.
And if you remember childhood pranks, you can make various “bombs”, firecrackers, “sparklers”, etc. from sulfur match heads, magnesium, cerium, etc. homemade, of dubious quality, but still pyrotechnic light and sound signaling devices. Their production and use are associated with a certain risk, so I do not provide a specific recipe here. Anyone who was interested in this kind of “chemistry” before, I think, will be able to use children’s skills not for entertainment, but for business.
Maritime international distress signals (Fig. 22):
· releasing puffs of orange smoke (1);
· flame on a ship (for example, from a burning tar barrel) (2);
· rockets or grenades that emit red stars, fired one at a time at short intervals (3);
· red parachute flare or red flare (4);
· flag signal NC (NC) according to the International Code of Signals (5);
· a signal consisting of a square flag with a ball above or below it (6);
· slow, repeated raising and lowering of arms outstretched to the sides (7);
· gun shots or explosions made at intervals of about one minute, or a continuous sound produced by any fog signal apparatus (8);
· an SOS distress signal transmitted by radiotelegraph or other signaling system, or the word "mayday" spoken by radiotelephone (9).
All these signals have one single meaning, known to sailors all over the world - “I am in distress, I need help.”
Smoke and color signals disasters.
These include (in addition to the daytime PSND signal) various smoke bombs and firecrackers, most often used at sea. Such bombs are triggered after the ignition cord is pulled out and burn, emitting orange smoke, from 1 minute (hand bomb) to 4 minutes (floating bomb).
The floating smoke bomb used in domestic fleets has a length of 253 mm, a diameter of 80 mm and a weight of 820 g. The estimated visibility range of a smoke signal lasting 3 minutes is one nautical mile. The checker is activated by pulling the ignition cord (Fig. 23).
There are other types of smoke bombs. Up to those that one person simply cannot cope with. For example, a large smoke signal bomb is 74 cm long, 21 cm in diameter and weighs 32 kg! This giant “smoke” burns for 8 minutes, and its signal is visible 20 km away. (Fig. 24)!
In addition to color-smoke signals, there are special dyes that, when dissolved in water, create a large, colorful spot that is noticeable from afar.
These include, for example, uranine, intended for use in the sea or in vast freshwater bodies. Upon contact with water, uranine spreads over the surface, forming a huge spot of intense green-emerald color (if it gets into cold water) or orange (if found in warm water). The dye remains visible for about 4 - 6 hours in calm water and only 2 - 3 hours in rough water (Fig. 25).
To some extent, various orange panels, awnings of life rafts and boats, clothes and tents in bright red colors can serve as color distress signals.
To talk about the next type of signaling device, I will ask the reader to remember his childhood. Who among you at that happy time did not amuse himself by shooting a bright sunbeam along the walls with a pocket mirror? It was this “bunny” that specialists put at the service of victims of disaster, creating several signal mirrors of different designs.
| | Classification of signaling devices. On naval vessels, the signal service is carried out by the watch mate and the watch sailor.
All sea vessels are equipped with internal and external signaling equipment in strict accordance with the Rules of the USSR Register and the Supply Sheet for Marine Vessels. Good condition, constant readiness of ship's signaling equipment and proper organization signal service - necessary conditions for successful and accident-free navigation.
Internal alarms (emergency, fire, bilge, temperature, service) play an important role in ensuring the safety of the ship, cargo and people on board. The emergency alarm notifies about a declared general emergency emergency; fire department - about the location of the fire; bilge and temperature - about changes in temperature or the appearance of water in the holds; service allows you to quickly notify any crew member or call him to a designated place.
External signaling means are divided into visual (optical), sound (acoustic) and radio.
Visual communication are:
Flags - International Code of Signals (ICS);
Semaphore - manual and mechanical (semaphore wings); signal figures - balls, cones, cylinders, T-shaped signs and stripes, etc.;
Lighting - distinctive lights, spotlights, flashing lamps, rockets, flares, etc.
Audio communications are: bells, gongs, whistles, sirens, air typhons.
Radio technical means of communication are ship radiotelegraph and radiotelephone stations.
Flag signaling has 40 flags, of which 26 are alphabetic, quadrangular in shape; 10 - digital, triangular; 3 - triangular, replacing any of the S6 main flags if they are repeated in the same signal. The last (40th) flag - the pennant of the code - serves to notify that negotiations are underway under the International Code of Signals (ICS).
International Code of Signals(1965) is intended to maintain communication in an environment caused by the need to ensure the safety of navigation and the protection of human life at sea, especially in cases where language communication difficulties arise. The code is convenient for signal production by all means of communication, including radiotelephone and radiotelegraph, which makes it possible to eliminate the need for a separate radiotelegraph code. Each MCC signal has a complete semantic meaning, which eliminates the need to compose signals according to words.
The signals used in the International Code of Signals consist of:
Single-letter signals intended for very urgent, important or frequently used messages (Table 11);
Two-letter signals that make up the general section: distress - accident, accidents - damage, aids to navigation - navigation - hydrography, maneuvering, miscellaneous (cargo, ballast, crew, people, fishing, pilot, port, harbour), meteorology - weather, communications, international sanitary rules, addition tables;
Table 11
three-letter signals that make up the medical section and begin with the letter M.
The material in the Code is grouped in accordance with the topic and, for ease of analysis of signals, is arranged in alphabetical order of signal combinations, which are placed on the left side of the pages before the meanings of the signals. To facilitate the set of signals, some of them are repeated in different thematic groups. Signals for transmitting messages are observed using qualifier words that reflect the main topic of the message being prepared. Alphabetical index defining words are placed at the end of the Code.
Semaphore signaling (manual, mechanical, semaphore panels) allows you to negotiate via MSS or using a special semaphore alphabet. When negotiating using a special semaphore alphabet, different positions of the hands in relation to the signalman's body or different positions of the wings of a mechanical semaphore in relation to the vertical base correspond to letter values.
Signal figures have their advantages: they are visible at a considerable distance, do not depend on the direction of the wind, and are clearly visible at sunset and sunrise.
In the daytime, signal figures replace signal lights and also serve for negotiations with ships and coastal stations.
On the coasts of the seas and oceans there are numerous coastal signal stations that monitor the movement of ships, transmitted signals, and the weather, warning ships of impending danger. Each signal (a combination of flags, cones, cylinders, balls) is assigned its own number, with the help of which you can find it in the tables of the International Signal System semantic meaning.
Boatmasters must be well aware of the semantic meaning of shore signals, lights and figures.
Light signaling is carried out using flashing lights, flashing lamps, lanterns, spotlights, heliographs and prisms. Transmission is carried out in short (dot) and long (dash) flashes in Morse code.
Sound communications. For negotiations using sound signals, the same Morse code is adopted as for light. Sound signals can be produced by any sound means, including a ship's horn or siren.
Sound signals may have local or international significance.
Pyrotechnic signaling devices(false flares, rockets, grenades) on sea vessels are used as light, sound or explosive signals. They are used both in the dark and in the daytime, but always with good visibility. During daylight hours, only rockets that produce colored lights or stars are used.
Radio engineering communications. The minimum required radio equipment for each ship, depending on the navigation area and destination, is determined by the USSR Register Rules.
Ship communications and signaling equipment are classified according to two main criteria: the purpose and nature of the signals. According to their purpose, communication means are divided into external and internal communication means.
External communication means serve to ensure the safety of navigation, communication with other ships, coastal posts and stations, designation of the type of activity of the vessel, its condition, etc.
External signaling and communication means are divided into visual, acoustic and radio.
Visual communication is provided by: means of light signaling and communication (knot lights, spotlights, special lights for directional transmission, adapted for transmitting Morse code characters and other signals); means of subject signaling and communication (signal flags, figures and signs); pyrotechnics, usually used to send distress signals.
TO sound means Signaling and communications include the ship's whistle, ship's bell, gong, and sound pyrotechnics.
The main means of external communication at sea is radio communication. Radio exchange is carried out in telephony, digital selective calling, and letterpress modes. The INMARSAT satellite communications system provides seafarers with direct dial telephone, telex, fax, e-mail, and data communications. Special communication systems ensure the transmission of information to ships to ensure navigation safety (NAVAREA, NAVTEX). The Global Maritime Distress System (GMDSS) provides determination of the coordinates of a ship in distress, communication and transmission of information during search and rescue operations, as well as other radio communication modes.
Internal communications and alarm systems are designed to ensure alarms and other signals, as well as reliable communication between the bridge and all posts and services. These facilities include the ship's automatic telephone exchange (PBX), ship's public address system, engine telegraph, loud bells, ship's bell, megaphone, man-portable VHF radios, mouth whistle, sound and light alarm about an increase in temperature, the appearance of smoke, the flow of water into the ship's premises.
The most important part of maritime signaling is the lights, signs, light and sound signals provided for by COLREG-72.
Marine rescue equipment: ship pyrotechnics and other rescue equipment
Sailing on the open sea, unfortunately, is not always serene. The sea element can show its harsh character at any time and force sailors to fight for their survival. In critical situations, when the ship loses control or sinks, in order to indicate its location and wait for help, the crew has to use special ship pyrotechnics and other rescue equipment.
Let's start with the most joyful type of rescue equipment for a boatmaster, used at the moment when a person in distress on the water has already been found. The Alexandrov rescue line (in common parlance - a rescue line) is intended to provide assistance to a drowning person. This rescue equipment (as well as a life jacket) is included in the mandatory list of life-saving items on small boats, and is also used to equip rescue posts in swimming areas and ROBSVOD.
Aleksandrov's rescue line is a floating line made of polypropylene 30 m long with a loop with a diameter of 40 cm, equipped with two floats. The rescuer throws the specified end to the drowning man, while the loop-ring is kept on the surface of the water and the drowning man takes it or puts it on top so that it is at chest level. Thanks to this, the rescuer can pull the drowning person to the ship.
In cases where it is impractical or difficult to use the Alexandrov rescue line, a line throwing device is used. In particular, a line throwing device (or, in common parlance, a line thrower) is designed to supply an emergency vessel with a nylon line, with the help of which the towing rope is wound.
Figure 12. Rescue line
The line-throwing device can be used for emergency rescue operations, both at sea and on land. The line-throwing device ULM-1, familiar to Russian navigators, consists of a K-320 container in which the line is placed, a PU-1 launcher and an RL-1 rocket, thanks to which the shot is fired.
Figure 13. Line throwing device
Pyrotechnic signaling equipment and devices are included in the mandatory rescue kit of every sea vessel. Depending on the situation and weather conditions, flare cartridges, grenades, floating smoke bombs and flares are used to attract the attention of rescuers, which, when burned, cause light, smoke or sound effects. Currently, the main list of Russian rescue equipment meets the requirements of MK SOLAS-74/96 and the LSA Code.
Figure 14. Pyrotechnic signaling devices
The simplest representative of pyrotechnic ship equipment is the single-star rocket ROK-30 (ROZ-30). Single-star rockets are designed to provide distress or attention signals from sea vessels, lifeboats, rafts and are suitable for use on ships with an unlimited navigation area. The distress flare is a ready-made shot fired hand-held without special devices. This signal flare consists of a plastic case in which a grinding ignition device, a jet engine and the flare itself with signal stars located in it are located.
To identify a disaster area, victims can use orange signal smoke bombs, which are highly buoyant and produce heavy orange-colored smoke. Thus, the floating smoke bomb PDSh-3 consists of a metal body with a positive reserve of buoyancy, in which a bomb of orange smoke and a grating-type ignition device are located. It is activated by pulling a cord placed under the cover of the smoke bomb.
Another type of smoke signal for rescue purposes at sea is the light-smoke buoy. The light-smoking emergency buoy is designed to indicate the location of a lifebuoy on the water at night using the light of two electric lamps; in the daytime using a torch of orange smoke. The buoy is used complete with a lifebuoy and consists of a fiberglass body with a float and a compartment in which a water-filled galvanic element is located. There is a pyrotechnic smoke bomb in the body of the light-smoking buoy, and two electric bulbs are mounted on the buoy float. The luminous lifebuoy buoy is activated automatically when it gets into the water due to the activation of a water-filled galvanic cell.
The airspace can be illuminated by a bright red signal from a special parachute flare; it looks very good from very long distance, as it is dropped by a special parachute from a height of three hundred meters. For example, the PRB-40 red-light parachute distress rocket, well known to Russian navigators, is designed to send a distress signal from sea vessels with an unlimited navigation area. Typically, a parachute distress flare consists of a plastic case that houses a grating igniter, a jet engine, and the distress flare itself with a signal unit and a parachute. The red fire flare is also manually activated by pulling a cord.
The use of special sound grenades and rockets makes it possible to detect people in conditions of very poor visibility, when the use of other special equipment is limited. A distress signal sound flare is a ready-made shot fired from a metal launch cup, which is mounted on the upper deck of the ship. Rescue device Russian production The ZRB-40 sonic distress missile consists of a plastic case in which an ignition device, a jet engine and a signal flare itself with a sound bomb placed in it are located.
However, the most common means of providing rescue signals at present are flares. Falschfeuer (false fire) comes in white and red. Their use is strictly regulated International rules preventing collisions of ships at sea (maritime Convention). The white light of a flare is intended to give a signal that attracts attention. The red flare is prescribed solely to indicate a distress signal (as is the parachute flare signal). Using flares for other purposes or substituting a signal unless absolutely necessary white on red is strictly prohibited. That is why it is not so easy to buy a flare on the open market. In many countries, the sale of flares is strictly limited, and flares can usually only be purchased by those who really need them as emergency equipment, and not for mindless and unsafe entertainment.
From an engineering point of view, a flare is a cardboard sleeve in a waterproof casing, which allows the device to burn in aquatic environment. A special flammable composition burns for about five minutes, producing a flame of the appropriate color. Combustion is accompanied by a specific hissing sound and smoke effect. For ease of use, the flare can be equipped with a special handle.
Self-test questions:
1. In what cases are visual signaling devices used?
2. What types of visual signaling devices do you know?
3. What does a distress flare represent?
4. What are the actions of a ship in distress and receiving a distress signal?
Each ship must have the following signaling pyrotechnics: flares, flares, smoke bombs, luminous and light-smoke buoys to indicate the location of the lifebuoy on the water in the dark.
Pyrotechnic products are moisture-resistant, safe to handle and store, operate under any hydrometeorological conditions and retain their properties for at least three years.
Pyrotechnics are stored in waterproof metal cabinets and boxes with compartments on the navigation bridge deck or in cabinets built into the bulkheads of the navigation bridge rooms, with a door to the open deck.
Drawers and cabinets are always locked. One key should be kept by the senior (third) mate, the other in the chart room.
Pyrotechnic devices of boats and rafts, placed in containers, must be kept at sea regular places in boats, and when moored at the port it is recommended to put them in a secure storage facility under lock and key.
red or green are intended for signaling during a rescue operation.
red in color it throws out red stars at an altitude of 300 - 400 meters, which burn for at least 20 seconds.
designed to provide a distress signal. Take-off altitude is 300 – 400 meters, burn time is 45 seconds.
- this is a sleeve in which the pyrotechnic composition and the incendiary device are located. The flare burns bright red for 1 minute and is a distress signal. White flares are used to attract attention.
Designed to send a distress signal, exploding at a height and simulating a cannon shot. A sound rocket is launched only from launch tubes mounted on the gunwale or railing on both wings of the bridge. If the rocket does not fire, it can be removed from the glass after no less than 2 minutes.
used to send a distress signal during daylight hours. A checker is a tin box containing an igniter and a mixture that produces thick orange smoke. Smoke emission time is 5 minutes, visibility range is up to 5 miles.
Light-smoking buoys are attached to lifebuoys, which are located on the wings of the bridge.
Main purpose lifebuoys with light-smoking buoys - marking the place where a person fell overboard.
Distress signals
The following signals, used or displayed together or separately, indicate that a ship is in distress and requires assistance (Appendix IV COLREG-72):
1. cannon shots or other signals produced by explosion at intervals of about 1 minute;
2. continuous sound from any device designed to produce fog signals;
3. rockets or grenades that emit red stars, fired one at a time at short intervals;
4. a signal transmitted by radiotelephone or using any other signaling system consisting of a combination of sounds... - - -... (SOS) in Morse code;
5. a signal transmitted by radiotelephone, consisting of the word “MAYDAY” spoken aloud;
6. distress signal according to the International Code of Signals - NC;
7. a signal consisting of a square flag with a ball or something resembling a ball above or below it;
8. flame on the ship;
9. red light of a rocket with a parachute or red flare;
10. smoke signal - release of orange puffs;
11. Slow and repeated raising and lowering of arms extended to the sides;
12. radiotelegraph alarm;
13. radiotelephone alarm;
14. signals transmitted by emergency position indicating radio beacons;
15. established signals transmitted by radio communication systems, including signals from radar transponder beacons lifeboats and rafts;
16. orange cloth with a black square or circle or other appropriate symbol (for identification from the air);
17. colored spot on the water.
