Sirius Signal gives you the opportunity to submit any questions you have about boating or paddlecraft safety
Commodore Vin Pica of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Answers Your Boating Questions
Fill out the form below to email your question to Commodore Vin Pica, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and CEO of AuxA.
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Answered Questions:
I purchased the C1003 device. What is the recommended way to display the unit if I need to send a distress signal? Hold/mount the device in my boat? Or attach a line to the device and float it on the water. Thanks.
Thanks for your question James. This is Steve Caldero from Sirius Signal. It seems like your question would be best answered by us — rather than the Commodore. How you would display the C-1003 depends a lot on your situation. Displaying the light at the highest...
What lights to I need to display in my small 17-foot inflatable boat?
Well, as with many things, it depends! If she has an engine, then she needs the lights that any motorized boat needs – red/green for port/starboard illumination and, for convenience, an all-around light that functions as both a stern and mast light. Being that you...
If my boat does not use a motor — meaning no gasoline — do I meet Federal requirements? Do I need to bring a fire extinguisher along?
The short answer is, no engine? No fire extinguisher. But even that is not 100% complete (see #5 below.) U.S. Coast Guard-approved, marine-type fire extinguishers are required on boats where a fire hazard could be expected from the engines or fuel system. Fire...
I tried to register the Sirius C-1003 distress light but the registration card was not included in the package. What Should I Do?
A serial number is no longer required to register the C-1003!
I have an SOS-A-1001 device that is not working (fails to flash when turned on). I have put in fresh batteries. Any other suggestions?
If the batteries did not correct the problem, please send it back for a warranty repair to Sirius Signal. We can service the unit! Joe Gallo Sirius Signal 1084 N El Camino Real Suite B-200 Encinitas, CA 92024
What safety gear should I have on my boat that the USCG recommends?
Short answer? Life jackets and flares! Beyond some ministerial items, the first two items that a USCGAux Vessel Examiner is required to check for are just that — life jackets and flares. Other required items are fire extinguishers, navigation lights, and a...