My understanding for distress signals that you can be charged for, when using them under a different circumstances. The White strobe light flashing at 60 flashes a minute is not one of them.
Quote:
International Collision Regulations > Part D - Sound And Light Signals >
Rule 37 - Distress signals
When a vessel is in distress and requires assistance she shall use or exhibit the signals described in Annex IV to these Regulations.
ANNEX 4 - Distress Signals
1. The following signals, used or exhibited either together or separately, indicate distress and need of assistance:
(a) a gun or other explosive signal fired at intervals of about a minute;
(b) a continuous sounding with any fog‑signalling apparatus;
(c) rockets or shells, throwing red stars fired one at a time at short intervals;
(d) a signal made by any signalling method consisting of the group · · · - - - · · · (SOS) in the Morse Code;
(e) a signal sent by radiotelephony consisting of the spoken word "MAYDAY";
(f) the International Code Signal of distress indicated by N.C.;
(g) a signal consisting of a square flag having above or below it a ball or anything resembling a ball;
(h) flames on the vessel (as from a burning tar barrel, oil barrel, etc.);
(i) a rocket parachute flare or a hand flare showing a red light;
(j) a smoke signal giving off orange-coloured smoke;
(k) slowly and repeatedly raising and lowering arms outstretched to each side;
(l) a distress alert by means of digital selective calling (DSC) transmitted on:
(i) VHF channel 70; or
(ii) MF/HF on the frequencies 2187.5 kHZ, 8414.5 kHZ, 4207.5 kHZ, 6312 kHZ, 12577kHZ or 16804.5 kHZ
(m) a ship-to-shore distress alert transmitted by the ship’s Inmarsat or other mobile satellite service provider ship earth station;
(n) signals transmitted by emergency position‑indicating radio beacons;
(o) approved signals transmitted by radio communication systems, including survival craft radar transponders.
2. The use or exhibition of any of the foregoing signals, except for the purpose of indicating distress and need of assistance and the use of other signals which may be confused with any of the above signals, is prohibited.
3. Attention is drawn to the relevant sections of the International Code of Signals, the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual, Volume III and the following signals:
(a) a piece of orange‑coloured canvas with either a black square and circle or other appropriate symbol (for identification from the air);
(b) a dye marker.
A white strobe or flashing light is more so recognised as a signal for man overboard.
With so many new people kayaking and going out at night with just the legally required torch/flashlight. Good on you for making yourself seen at least.
With that said, it is a warning signal and I think a fixed white light would be more suitable (even if I did have a white strobe on top of my mast
).