🔍 Key Concepts

• Expiration periods for different pyrotechnic distress signals (hand-held flares vs. smoke signals) • The difference between visual day signals (like orange smoke) and visual night signals (like red flares) • USCG carriage requirements for approved, unexpired distress signals

💭 Think About

• You know the 42‑month rule for hand‑held red flares. Ask yourself: do all pyrotechnic signals share that same time limit, or are some designed to last a shorter or longer period? • Consider how long a smoke-producing device might reasonably remain effective compared to a flare that uses a different type of composition. • Think about which of the choices looks like a “copy” of the flare rule, and which answers might represent a different, specific service life for smoke signals.

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify whether floating orange smoke is treated the same as hand-held red flares for expiration dates in USCG guidance, or if it has its own specified period. • Check if USCG materials (like the Boating Safety circulars or exam guides) state a distinct month limit specifically for orange smoke signals. • Before choosing, eliminate any answer that only seems correct because it matches the flare’s 42‑month period without separate support for smoke signals.