Requirements on Visual Signaling Equipment's used Onboard as per LSA Code

LSA Code has been put forth certain International standards for Visual Signalling Equipment used onboard as required by Chapter III of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974. 

Rocket Parachute Flare:

The Rocket Parachute Flare shall:

• be contained in a water-resistant casing.

• have brief instructions or diagrams clearly illustrating the use of rocket parachute flare printed on its casing.

• have integral means of ignition.

• be so designed as not to cause discomfort to the person holding the casing when used by the manufacturer's operating instructions. 

The rocket shall when fired vertically, reach an altitude of not less than 300 meters. 

At or near the top of its course/orbit, the rocket shall eject parachute flares which shall:

• burn with a bright red colour

• burn uniformly with an average luminous intensity of not less than 30,000 cd.

• have a burning period of not less than 40 seconds.

• have a rate of descent of not more than 5 meters/second.

• not damage its parachute or attachments while burning.

Hand Flare:

The Hand Flare shall:

• be contained in a water-resistant casing.

• have brief instructions or diagrams clearly illustrating the use of hand flare printed on its casing.

• have a self-contained means of ignition.

• be so designed as not to cause discomfort to the person holding the casing and not endanger the survival craft by burning or glowing residues when used by the manufacturer's operating instructions. 

The Hand Flare shall:

• burn with a bright red colour

• burn uniformly with an average luminous intensity of not less than 15,000 cd.

• have a burning period of not less than 1 minute.

• continue to burn after having been immersed for 10 seconds under 100 mm of water.

Buoyant Smoke Signal:

The Buoyant Smoke Signal shall:

• be contained in a water-resistant casing.

• not ignite explosively when used by the manufacturer's operating instructions. 

• have brief instructions or diagrams clearly illustrating the use of buoyant smoke signal printed on its casing.

The Buoyant Smoke Signal shall:

• emit smoke of a highly visible colour at a uniform rate of not less than 3 minutes when floating in calm water.

• not emit any flame during the entire smoke emission time.

• not to be swamped/washed out in a seaway

• continue to emit smoke when submerged in water for 10 seconds under 100 mm of water.

Reference: 

1. IMO Publications & Documents - International Codes - LSA Code - Chapter III - Visual Signals.
2. IMO Publications & Documents - Resolutions - Maritime Safety Committee - Resolutions.MSC.48(66).