Recreational Boaters Requirements and Methods of Distress Notification Using Visual Signals

摘要

An approach is described which permits the systematic establishment of measures of effectiveness, determines the extent of need for visual distress devices, establishes requirements and estimates capabilities of devices, then matches estimated device capabilities against requirements. The extent of need for visual distress signals is established on the basis of an analysis of Boating Accident Reports using fault tree techniques. Parameter combinations involved in these cases are analyzed and used to synthesize body-of-water/use scenarios which define the requirements for visual distress signals. The characteristics and capabilities of various types of such signals are then reviewed and matched against the requirements. Additional data and test requirements are determined and a program for meeting these requirements is recommended.