Always fire pyrotechnics ___ of the survival craft.

Prepare for the Water Survival 929 Test. Use flashcards, multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations. Get water safe!

The signal should be fired downwind of the survival craft. This uses the wind to carry the smoke and the flare’s light away from you, reducing the risk of smoke irritation, heat, or embers blowing back toward the raft. Shooting downwind also helps ensure the signal rises and drifts toward the search area, making it easier for rescuers to spot. If you fire upwind, smoke and hot particles can blow back toward you, obstructing visibility and creating a safety hazard. A crosswind makes the signal’s path unpredictable, which can lessen its effectiveness. So, directing pyrotechnics downwind gives you the safest, most effective chance of attracting rescuers.