OK I was concerned about this so I called the Sandy Hook USCG and below is what they emailed me-should clear up all concerns
easier to read here
http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=e20eebf5cf70cebcd5ea94bc40838b6b&mc=true&node=se33.2.175_1130&rgn=div8e-CFR data is current as of October 4, 2016
Title 33 → Chapter I → Subchapter S → Part 175 → Subpart C → §175.130
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Title 33: Navigation and Navigable Waters
PART 175—EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
Subpart C—Visual Distress Signals
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§175.130 Visual distress signals accepted.
(a) Any of the following signals, when carried in the number required, can be used to meet the requirements of §175.110:
(1) An electric distress light meeting the standards of 46 CFR 161.013. One is required to meet the night only requirement.
(2) An orange flag meeting the standards of 46 CFR 160.072. One is required to meet the day only requirement.
(3) Pyrotechnics meeting the standards noted in Table 175.130.
(b) Any combination of signal devices selected from the types noted in paragraphs (a) (1), (2) and (3) of this section, when carried in the number required, may be used to meet both day and night requirements. Examples—the combination of two hand held red flares (160.021), and one parachute red flare (160.024 or 160.036) meets both day and night requirements. Three hand held orange smoke (160.037) with one electric distress light (161.013) meet both day and night requirements.
Table 175.130—Pyrotechnic Signal Devices
Approval number under 46 CFR
Device description
Meets requirement for
Number required
160.021
Hand Held Red Flare Distress Signals3
Day and Night
3
160.022
Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signals
Day Only
3
160.024
Parachute Red Flare Distress Signals
Day and Night1
3
160.036
Hand-Held Rocket-Propelled Parachute Red Flare Distress Signals
Day and Night
3
160.037
Hand-Held Orange Smoke Distress Signals
Day Only
3
160.057
Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signals
Day Only
3
160.066
Distress Signal for Boats, Red Aerial Pyrotechnic Flare
Day and Night2
3
1These signals require use in combination with a suitable launching device approved under 46 CFR 160.028.
2These devices may be either meteor or parachute assisted type. Some of these signals may require use in combination with a suitable launching device approved under 46 CFR 160.028.
stay safe out there!!!!