What approach is used as a last resort when available equipment will not allow normal procedures or when the ship cannot be visually acquired and ditching is imminent?

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When normal navigation procedures and visual reference are unavailable and a ditching is imminent, a signaling method that does not depend on standard equipment is used. The Smokelight Approach relies on conspicuous smoke and bright light signals from the ship to provide a clear, visible cue for the aircraft to align its descent and perform a controlled water landing. This approach is specifically designed for emergencies where onboard instruments can’t support normal procedures and the target cannot be visually acquired, giving the crew a feasible path to a safe ditching despite limited resources. Visual or night approaches assume visibility of the ship, and a term like Ditching Approach isn’t the same type of signaling method; Smokelight directly addresses the need for an immediate, distinguishable reference when other options aren’t workable.