Maryland Boating Certification Practice Exam

What color must VDS smoke be?

1. Yellow

2. Red

3. Green

4. Orange

The correct answer is: Orange

Visual Distress Signals (VDS) that utilize smoke must be orange in color. This is an important requirement as orange smoke is highly visible and can be easily distinguished against the natural environment, making it effective for signaling distress in both day and nighttime conditions. The use of orange smoke enhances safety during emergencies on the water, as it provides a clear and recognizable signal for help, creating a stark visual contrast against water, land, and sky. This is crucial for the timely and efficient rescue by nearby vessels or search and rescue operations. Other colors like yellow, red, or green are not designated for this purpose as they may not provide the same level of visibility or may be confused with other signals, which could lead to a delay in response during critical situations. Thus, the specification for orange smoke as a VDS is designed to maximize visibility and ensure effective communication in distress scenarios on the water.