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

D. 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

A. 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

B. A backup liferaft repair kit component unrelated to communication

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

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

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