Navigation & Signalling
Signalling for rescue
Mirrors, smoke, panels and radio beacons evolved because being alive is useless if nobody can find you.
At a glance
Energy investmentMedium energySite prep and fuel cost energy—do it where visibility is real.
ReliabilityHigh reliability
TimeImmediate once aircraft/people are in range
Materials
- Signal mirror or shiny can lid
- Smoke generators (damp greens on hot fire)
- Bright cloth panels in open ground
- Whistle (three blasts)
Steps
- 1Move to an open ridge or clearing when safe.
- 2Prepare mirror flashes toward aircraft; sweep the horizon.
- 3Build contrast: three fires, three panels, or large ground shapes.
- 4Conserve night signals; listen for search patterns.
- Signalling under dense canopy
- One tiny smoky fire nobody can see
- Leaving the signal site after contact is likely
Region fit
Best in: Temperate forest, Desert, Mountains, Snow & ice, Coast & swamp · Poor in: Tropical jungle
Temperate forestGood fit Tropical junglePoor fit DesertGood fit MountainsGood fit Snow & iceGood fit Coast & swampGood fit
Fit keyGood fitPoor fitAvoid
Other methods
Rate yourself
Take the PSR assessment and score this skill honestly.