<Ul> <Li> Alert or notification of a distress in progress </Li> <Li> Position or location (or localization or pinpointing) of the party in distress . </Li> </Ul> <Li> Alert or notification of a distress in progress </Li> <Li> Position or location (or localization or pinpointing) of the party in distress . </Li> <P> For example, a single aerial flare alerts observers to the existence of a vessel in distress somewhere in the general direction of the flare sighting on the horizon but extinguishes within one minute or less . A hand - held flare burns for three minutes and can be used to localize or pinpoint more precisely the exact location or position of the party in trouble . An EPIRB both notifies or alerts authorities and at the same time provides position indication information . </P>

What is the universal sign for danger or need for assistance