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In our tests of daytime signaling devices, a 'nighttime' flare beats all the smoke generators for visibility in daylight, meaning you can reduce the variety and expense of the devices you carry on board.

(Clockwise from bottom left) the Orion Hand- ûheld flare, the (Pains-Wessex) Pinpoint Hand- ûheld Orange Smoke flare, the Pains-Wessex ûMk3 Lifesmoke, the Pains-Wessex Mk7 Red ûHandflare, the Orion Handheld Orange Smoke ûSignal, and the Bristol Hand Red Flare.

When you’re in serious trouble and need assistance out on the water, your first step should be to holler for help on your VHF radio. If you’re able to maintain radio contact with a potential rescuer, you’re apt to be in pretty good shape. Your next option, if you're well offshore or just out of VHF range, is to active your 406-MHz EPIRB . This will not only let the Coast Guard know you're in trouble, but if you've registered it correctly it will let them know who you are and what kind of boat you're in. …