What is a pyrotechnic visual distress signal used during the day?

The use of pyrotechnic visual distress signals is crucial for ensuring safety on the water, particularly in emergency situations. During the day, orange smoke signals are specifically designed to be highly visible against the natural backdrop, making them an effective choice for signaling distress. Unlike the red flare, which is typically used during night hours, orange smoke can be seen from a significant distance due to its bright color and the visibility offered by the smoke against the daylight.

The orange smoke handheld or floating option is particularly beneficial because it can be easily deployed and will cover a wide area, making it more noticeable to potential rescuers. In contrast, other options like the red flare, green light, and white rocket may not be suitable for daytime use due to their different visual properties and purposes. Red flares are primarily intended for night use, while green lights do not provide the necessary visual alert in daylight conditions, and white rockets are typically associated with specific signaling methods that may not be effective for distress during the day.