Product Overview

Summary: This Visual Distress Signals Use Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, step-by-step instructions for safely selecting, handling and deploying visual distress signals in Australian workplaces and marine operations. It helps your team respond quickly and correctly in emergencies, reducing confusion, improving rescue outcomes and supporting compliance with WHS and maritime safety requirements.

Visual distress signals such as flares, smoke signals, strobe lights and signal flags are critical tools for alerting others to an emergency and guiding rescue efforts, particularly in marine and remote work environments. When used incorrectly, however, these devices can cause burns, eye injuries, fire, environmental damage, false alarms and regulatory breaches. This Visual Distress Signals Use SOP provides a structured, easy-to-follow process covering selection, storage, inspection, activation and disposal of visual distress signals, tailored for Australian conditions and regulatory expectations.

The procedure gives your workers clear guidance on when to use each type of signal, how to coordinate with communications equipment (such as VHF radio and EPIRBs), and how to maintain situational awareness to avoid escalating an emergency. It also clarifies roles and responsibilities during drills and real incidents, helping organisations demonstrate due diligence under WHS laws. Whether you manage vessels, coastal facilities, offshore platforms or remote land-based operations, this SOP supports consistent, safe and compliant use of visual distress signals and improves the likelihood of a rapid and effective response when things go wrong.

Key Benefits

• Improve emergency response by standardising how, when and where visual distress signals are deployed.
• Reduce the risk of burns, eye injuries and fires caused by incorrect handling or activation of pyrotechnic devices.
• Ensure alignment with Australian WHS and maritime safety obligations for emergency preparedness and signalling.
• Enhance crew and worker confidence through clear, practical instructions and drill-ready checklists.
• Minimise false alarms, unnecessary call-outs and associated reputational and regulatory consequences.

Who is this for?

• Marine Operations Managers
• Skippers and Coxswains
• Deckhands and Crew Members
• Emergency Wardens and Fire Wardens
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Harbour Masters and Port Operations Staff
• Offshore and Coastal Construction Supervisors
• Search and Rescue (SAR) Coordinators
• Remote Site Supervisors (mining, exploration, surveying)
• Training and Compliance Coordinators

Hazards Addressed

• Thermal burns from handling or misfiring pyrotechnic flares
• Eye injuries from bright light, sparks or debris from flares
• Fire and explosion risks from improper storage or use of pyrotechnic signals
• Smoke inhalation from smoke flares and canisters
• Misfires and malfunctioning distress devices
• Falls or loss of balance when deploying signals on moving vessels or elevated positions
• Environmental contamination from improper disposal of spent or expired signals
• False distress signalling leading to unnecessary emergency responses
• Reduced visibility and disorientation during night-time or poor weather deployments

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Types of Visual Distress Signals
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation and Standards
• 5.0 Risk Assessment and Planning Requirements
• 6.0 Selection and Suitability of Visual Distress Signals
• 7.0 Storage, Handling and Security of Pyrotechnic Devices
• 8.0 Pre‑use Inspection and Maintenance Checks
• 9.0 Step‑by‑Step Procedure for Deploying Visual Distress Signals
• 10.0 Coordination with Other Emergency Communications (VHF, EPIRB, PLB, Radio)
• 11.0 Use of Visual Distress Signals in Different Conditions (day, night, marine, land‑based, limited visibility)
• 12.0 Emergency Response Actions Following Deployment
• 13.0 Disposal of Expired or Spent Visual Distress Signals
• 14.0 Training, Competency and Drill Requirements
• 15.0 Incident Reporting, Investigation and Corrective Actions
• 16.0 Document Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks
• Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012
• National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) – Part C7A: Safety Equipment
• Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Marine Orders relating to safety equipment and emergency procedures
• AS/NZS 4801: Occupational health and safety management systems (superseded but still widely referenced)
• ISO 24408 (as adopted in Australia where applicable): Visual distress signals for seagoing vessels – Pyrotechnic distress signals