SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/boat-strobe-not-vds

A white strobe flashing 50 to 70 times a minute is a distress signal. Does it meet the visual distress signal carriage rule?

No. It is a distress signal, but it doesn't count toward the requirement.

Start playing free

  1. Yes, for night use
  2. No, it doesn't count ✔
  3. Yes, for day and night

Why: Under the Inland Navigation Rules, a high-intensity white light flashing 50 to 70 times a minute signals distress. It does not satisfy carriage rules, so carry approved day and night signals as required.

Huh, didn't know that: An approved electronic distress light flashes the SOS pattern instead.

The dad joke
Why did the strobe light go to the party? It heard it was a flash mob.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: No, it doesn't count. Under the Inland Navigation Rules, a high-intensity white light flashing 50 to 70 times a minute signals distress. It does not satisfy carriage rules, so carry approved day and night signals as required.

  1. USCG, A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats (Nov 2023) www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/AssetManager/Boaters-Guide-to-Federal-Requirements-for-Receational-Boats-20231108.pdf
    a high-intensity white light flashing at regular intervals from 50-70 times per minute is considered a distress signal.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. USCG, A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats (Nov 2023) www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/AssetManager/Boaters-Guide-to-Federal-Requirements-for-Receational-Boats-20231108.pdf
    Such devices, however, do not meet the Visual Distress Signal carriage requirement.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Boating & WaterA boat under 12 meters (39.4 feet) needn't carry a regulation whistle. What must it have?Boating & WaterIn the Navigation Rules, how long is a 'prolonged blast'?Boating & WaterWhen must recreational boats show their navigation lights?

That's stuff everyone should know.