All ocean-going vessels are required to carry twelve parachute flares, the characteristics of which are the following:

1. The rockets must reach a height of at least 300 metres when launched vertically.
2. The parachute flare must burn with a bright red colour.
3. It must burn for at least 40 seconds.
4. It must have an average intensity of a least 30 000 candelas.

Each lifeboat must carry:

1. Four rocket flares (the same as described above).
2. Six hand-held flares of 15 000 candelas which burn with a bright red colour for at least one minute.
3. Two buoyant smoke generators which emit smoke of a highly visible colour for at least three minutes.

The flares should be stowed in a watertight container on the bridge. The container should not be exposed to heat and it should be kept locked when in harbour with the key held by the duty officer. The flares should never be used for any purpose other than to indicate distress. When the flares have reached their expiry date they should be replaced and the old flares must be sent ashore for disposal.