Coast Guard Requirements
 

What is required for distress signals? Their site states you have to have day and night signals but not how many of each. I thought it was 3 of each, or 3 if they are approved for day and night use. Is this correct? What about a distress flag?

Three flares not out of date, a flag and a whistle are best. Horns can go dead. West Marine has the kits. Flashlight is recommended also.

I was told that 4 flares are the new requirement.

This chart shows the current USCG requirements, your state may have further rules

http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/fe...u_refchart.htm

If you buy new flares from West Marine, make sure you check the expiration date on the box. They do expire. I bought a set for my boat in June and got stopped by CG in November. I had all of the required equipment and when they checked the expiration date on the new flares, it was October. Needless to say I did get a ticket. Of course West Marine denied that it happened or that they would sell flares that would expire in a couple of months.