Prepare for the Canadian Boating Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, with hints and explanations. Ready to excel on your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


Which of these is a type of pyrotechnic distress signal listed?

  1. White star shells

  2. Rocket parachute flares

  3. Blue smoke flares

  4. Laser flares

The correct answer is: Rocket parachute flares

Rocket parachute flares are a type of pyrotechnic distress signal that is listed because they are considered the most effective and visible form of signal. White star shells may be effective at night, but can be easily confused with celebratory fireworks. Blue smoke flares are not as effective as they can be easily lost in the blue sea or sky, making it harder for rescue teams to spot them compared to a fast-moving boat or plane. Laser flares may also not be as effective as they can only be seen in certain weather conditions and may require specific training to operate properly. Rocket parachute flares provide the best combination of height, visibility, and duration, making them the best choice for distress signals.