Pyrotechnics should be fired in which direction relative to the survival craft?

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Multiple Choice

Pyrotechnics should be fired in which direction relative to the survival craft?

The signal’s effectiveness depends on how wind carries the plume. You want the flare’s light and smoke to drift toward potential rescuers, not back toward you. Firing downwind (leeward) uses the wind to carry the signal away from the survival craft, increasing visibility over a larger area. If you fire upwind, the smoke and flame can blow back toward you, reducing visibility and creating a hazard. A crosswind won’t reliably put the signal where search efforts are focused, and firing forward toward the bow ignores the wind’s help altogether. So, downwind/leeward is the best direction.

The signal’s effectiveness depends on how wind carries the plume. You want the flare’s light and smoke to drift toward potential rescuers, not back toward you. Firing downwind (leeward) uses the wind to carry the signal away from the survival craft, increasing visibility over a larger area. If you fire upwind, the smoke and flame can blow back toward you, reducing visibility and creating a hazard. A crosswind won’t reliably put the signal where search efforts are focused, and firing forward toward the bow ignores the wind’s help altogether. So, downwind/leeward is the best direction.

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