The document explains pyrotechnics, which are self-contained exothermic chemical reactions used primarily for generating visual and audible signals at sea during emergencies. It details various types of pyrotechnics, their applications as distress signals, and the importance of proper maintenance and disposal. Additionally, it provides safety guidelines for their use in emergencies, emphasizing the necessity of training crew members in their operation.

1. Pyrotechnics

2. Contents:
 What are Pyrotechnics?
 What are pyrotechnics used for?
 Why are they important?
 Pyrotechnic composition
 Pyrotechnic types
 How to use pyrotechnics in an emergency?
 Pyrotechnics Maintenance and Disposal

3. What are
Pyrotechnics?
 The science of using self-contained
exothermic chemicals reactions.
 It is also the craft used
to generate visual/audible signs at sea.
 Functionable last resort mechanisms
used to draw attention at
sea through light, sound or smoke
emission.
 Pyrotechnics like
hand flares, rocket parachute flares, and
smoke signals are used at sea.

4. What are
pyrotechnics
used for?
 Distress Signals
 Emergency Evacuation
 Navigation Aids

5. Why are they important?
 When one's own ship is beyond saving,
pyrotechnics is the last resort for the survival
and rescue.
 The flares help raise an alarm quickly and safely
to aid immediate help for passengers.
 Despite advanced tracking and
location systems, they play an important role.

6. Pyrotechnic
composition
Types:
Basic types of
pyrotechnic composition
are:
 Flash powder
 Gun Powder
 Solid Propellants
 Pyrotechnic heat source
 Smoke Compositions
Materials Used
 Fuels
 Oxidizers
 Additives
1. Coolants
2. Colorants
3. Plasticizers
4. Catalysts
5. Binders

7. Red Hand flares
Self ignitable handheld distress signals.
Burn uniformly a red light for one minute.
Water-resistant upto 10 seconds in shallow depths of up to 100
mm.
Help pinpoint the exact location of the craft.
Should be held downwind when lighting.

8. ROCKET PARACHUTE FLARES
 Designed to reach a height of 300-350m when fired vertically
 The parachute with the flare opens and keep the flare visible for
longer.
 Self-ignitable design does not let it catch fire and has a
maximum descent rate of 5mtr/sec.
 The flare lasts upto 40secs.

9. LINE-THROWING APPLIANCES
 Used to create a safety link between the ship in distress and the
rescue ship.
 Its main purpose is to throw a line over a long distance.
 Able to carry the line for at least 230 mts in calm weather.
 Have at least four projectiles.

10. BUOYANT SMOKE SIGNALS
 Red/Orange smoke signals that can last upto 15 mins.
 Don’t emit flames or sparks in the hands of the holder.
 Used to pinpoint the location of the vessel.
 Not suitable in adverse weather.

11. How to use
pyrotechnics
in an
emergency?
 When using pyrotechnics in emergencies, one needs
to use them efficiently and safely.
 It is advise to face the back to the wind and extend
the hand at 45degree above water surface.
 Also, once ignited make sure the flare is held away
from your face.

12. Pyrotechnics Maintenance and Disposal

 Maintenance work polytechnic include cleaning and physical check of hand flared,
parachute flares and buoyant signals.
 The third officer performs checking of expiry date as well as rocket and ignition
functionality.
 Pyrotechnics are kept away from fuel or combustible material and must be stored
in an accessible dry place.
 All must kept in safe storage and secured place taking into consideration the
motion of the vessel.The crew must be well informed and trained in proper use of
all pyrotechnics onboard.

13. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrotechnics
https://www.marineinsight.com/marine-safety/what-are-pyrotechnics-on-ship/
https://www.shmgroup.com/services-pyrotechnics.php
https://cultofsea.com/safety/pyrotechnics/
https://marinegyaan.com/what-are-pyrotechnics/
https://marintech.sg/marine-pyrotechnics/
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pyrotechnic
References

14. Thank you