Life Buoys
Sea Terms
There are several kinds of life buoys. One style is that of a ring covered with canvas, enclosing a cork stuffing; another that of two connecting metallic cylinders, provided with a red fire to be burned at night when dropped overboard, and a reg flag whereby to keep it in sight in the daytime. The red fire is ignited before letting the buoy go by the simple means of an attached percussion cap and hammer lock.