VDS

As I get info for a trip to Oneida I have come across threads saying that boats have been inspected and fines/warnings given for not having the proper visual distress signals onboard.

I have never had to worry about this before. I found this publication https://www.uscgboating.org/images/420.PDF but would like confirmation that I am interpreting it correctly. My read is that a flag is all you need for the daytime signal, but you need either flares or a signal light for the night signal. This is regardless of what time you are on the water.

Am I reading this correctly?

State law requires all vessels 16 feet and greater, except for
rowboats, kayaks and canoes to carry USCG approved day and night-
time visual distress signals.


The stories are true. The sheriff regularly issues citations on Keuka for this.