Hello to all ship modelers, and especially those interested in the "human" question of the day.

In response to the question: what emergency signal does a grounded ship emit in fog?
For me, the correct answer is:
"three strikes of the bow bell plus five seconds of rapid bell tollings at the bow plus three strikes of the bow bell plus five seconds of gong tollings at the stern (every minute)."
Does this sound correct to you too?

P.S. Thanks to Pat for opening this topic of emergency signals, which is certainly of general interest and has generated various offshoots and digressions, which I think are always instructive.
There might also be a purely modeling aspect to this, but it's premature to discuss it now.

Excellent Edw.

Thanks for citing the source, I appreciate your great intellectual honesty.

My source is an Italian ministerial decree, so I'm not sure if it applies only to Italy or if the decree has implemented an international standard.
I lean more toward the latter.

Your answer is almost entirely in line with my knowledge.

I know that:

Red hand flares last about 60 seconds and have a nighttime range of about 6 nautical miles.

They are lit when a ship, aircraft, or the coast is visible.
This is the correct answer according to my sources.


Red parachute flares have a daytime range of about 7 miles and a nighttime range of about 25 miles. They rise to a height of about 300 meters and last about 1 minute.

They are lit when the presence of a ship, aircraft, or the coast is presumed.
This is the correct answer according to my sources.

P.S. Congratulations on getting Pat's question right. He's always making them more difficult, but this one had a more international scope.

Here is AIs answer to the two types of flare
🤔

Handheld Flare (Red Flare)

When to use:
When rescuers or other vessels are nearby and can see you visually.
At night or in low visibility to signal your position.
Once you think someone may have already spotted your parachute flare or distress call.

Characteristics:
Bright red flame.
Burns for about 1–2 minutes.
Visible for a few miles.
Best used from a lifeboat or deck.


Parachute Flare (Rocket Parachute Flare)

When to use:
To initially attract attention over a long distance (10–40+ miles on a clear night).
In open sea or remote areas where no help is nearby.
In both day and night, though more effective at night.
When aircraft or ships are spotted on the horizon or flying overhead.

Characteristics:
Fired into the air (300+ meters / ~1,000 feet).
Parachute slows descent for 30–40 seconds of hang time.
Very bright, often over 30,000 candela.
Visible from a great distance.

General Guidelines:
First, use a parachute flare to get noticed.
Then, use handheld flares to help rescuers locate you precisely.

Always use in accordance with distress signal protocols (e.g., when life is in danger).
Only fire when you see or hear potential rescuers—flares are limited in number and should not be wasted.
If you're preparing for sea, it's smart to have both types onboard, and know how to use them safely (protective gloves, wind direction, etc.).

Hello all ship modelers.

On the subject of emergency signals, I'm waiting to give an answer.
Surely someone will remember.
However, you are allowed to do an internet search (a legitimate learning exercise or safety check).

Still on the subject of emergency signals (a very interesting topic that Pat included in his question), since after Edw's correct and concise answers, the discussion expanded to radio frequencies 👍 and other topics, I'd like to elaborate on one of the points with another question.
Both Edw and Pat mentioned it.
I'm referring to the signals with "Red Parachute or Hand-Held Flares."
Who remembers when to use one and when to use the other?
If you don't remember (or if you want confirmation), you can consult the web, but I recommend going to reliable, official sites.

I'm curious to see if these rules are universal or if they vary from country to country.

Pat, sorry if I'm late to your questions, but I can't keep up.. Above all, Doug is extremely fast and prepared.

Hi Doug, no. I understood Pat's initial question well, but then, reading only in English (because I was in a hurry), I thought the discussion had broadened, as often happens in topics on this forum (and I don't mind).
However, I was referring to post #13 from Pat, in the line where he mentions the foghorn. He wrote well; mine was just a clarification (couldn't that be helpful?)


In any case, the question I asked at the end is still valid, and anyone who wants to can answer.

Alessandro, 👎
A comprehensive, and no doubt accurate description of foghorn signals. But-
Unfortunately it has absolutely nothing to do with Pat's question which asked for at least 5 Internationally Recognised Distress Signals!!
I can only assume a translation problem, oder Gedenkfehler.
Ciao, Doug😎

Sorry, Pat, maybe you already mentioned it, but I didn't notice because I read it quickly and didn't read it all.

There isn't just one combination for fog signals, but more than one.

Just a few examples:

One prolonged blast (4 to 6 seconds): Powered vessel making way.

Two prolonged blasts:
Powered vessel stationary

One prolonged blast and two short blasts (1 second):
Sailing vessel
Fishing vessel
Vessel with restricted maneuverability
Tugboat

One prolonged blast and three short blasts:
Last vessel being towed Towing vessel

Four short blasts:
Pilot vessel

All of the above must be sounded at intervals of no more than two minutes


Vessels at anchor or at anchor signal their presence with rapid blasts of the bell for five seconds every minute (for vessels under 100 feet). If they are vessels 100 feet or longer, they emit (every minute) five seconds of rapid bell tolls at the stern and five seconds of gong strikes at the stern.

And what about the stranded ship?

Doug your Comms knowledge is obviously far superior to mine but in civilian circles I am sure that only CH16 and 2182 are taught - I do apologise if I am wrong It's a while since I learnt them - getting old now you know

Well - You DID ask Pat😉
In practice usually only VHF Channels 70 and 16, and 3 of the MF/HF frequencies, generally in the 2 and / or 8 MHz bands, are continuously monitored.
Cheers, Doug😎
PS Ch 16 is not primarily for Distress calls. It is the general contact channel for routine calls and chit-chat. As such it may be used for a 'first contact' in a distress situation.
Participants then agree to switch to a different channel (hand -off) to free up the contact channel.
DSC Distress calls can include a specified hand-off channel for further voice comms.

I will be away tomorrow so I am going to post tomorrows question tonight

Have fun guys - there must be lots more people out there come and join in