How should pyrotechnic distress flares be stored and used to maximise their effectiveness?

A. Storage location and dryness make no difference to whether a flare will function correctly

B. Flares never expire and can be used indefinitely regardless of age

C. Stored in a dry, accessible location known to all crew, checked regularly for expiry dates (flares have a limited shelf life and must be replaced when expired), and used only when there is a realistic chance of being seen (a vessel, aircraft, or shore station in range) — firing them randomly wastes a limited, irreplaceable resource

D. Flares should be fired continuously and as early as possible regardless of whether anyone is likely to see them

A. A handheld torch used only for close-range signalling to nearby vessels

B. A backup liferaft repair kit component unrelated to communication

C. A type of personal flotation device with no signalling capability at all

D. Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon — once activated (manually or automatically by water immersion), it transmits a distress signal with the vessel's identity and position via satellite to search and rescue authorities, continuing to transmit for an extended period to aid location

A. A PLB is only used for testing equipment ashore, never carried during an actual emergency

B. An EPIRB is typically registered to the vessel and often mounted/stowed for the whole crew, while a PLB is a smaller, individually registered device that a single person can carry on their body — useful if separated from the main group or liferaft

C. EPIRBs and PLBs are functionally and legally identical, with the only difference being colour

D. A PLB has no satellite connectivity and only works at very short range