Electronic flare

[Hunter 2]

I purchased one of these flares. They are coast guard approved and never expire.  The product is well made and will fit nicely in a ditch bag. No more worries about being inspected by authorities and having expired flares.

http://www.weems-plath.com/Products/Safety-Products-1/SOS-Distress-Light-Electronic-Flare.html

[Still Running]

 

[fluke - u]

  ... I hate buying new flares, especially since I never had to use one, A nice item to have. Thanks Eddie ....

[IKAT]

 
Hi Eddie--long time no talk--(still playing with the band?) So I will probably get bashed for this ( and used to it)  but I have to say it-see chart below--last one on the chart.  In my opinion this will NOT get rid of the other flares you have to carry. I think I would prefer to spend the 30.00 a year or 2 to make sure I have the correct signaling devices on board.I know you carry all the safety devices for you and crew-but just wanted to say-I don’t think a batt. Operated device that needs 3 c batts. Will help.I could be wrong but I think you may have to carry a parachute flair-so go ahead and bash --IF NESSARY--LOL--That being said-might be a good idea for some boats (smaller boats)with a good supply of c batts.
From what I read it is only good 3 miles from shore at night???

http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg5214/docs/vds_table.pdf


http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg5214/docs/vds_table.pdf

[wb]

no bashing, just verbatim from their website:

NEVER BUY FLARES AGAIN!
The SOS Distress Light is the first and ONLY LED Visual Distress Signal Device that meets U.S. Coast Guard requirements to completely replace traditional pyrotechnic flares. Unlike traditional flares, this electronic flare never expires which solves the challenge of flare disposal. This floating electronic flare can be hand-held, tethered, or hoisted aloft. It runs up to 60 hours, unlike traditional flares which last minutes or less.

^^^ can't be much clearer/hard to misunderstand that ^^^

[IKAT]

Understood Warren -But according to USCG it can only be used at night whithin 3 miles of the shore as in the graph-i posted

[IrishAyes]

The three miles in for commercial vessels, not rec.

My concern is this - the device meets the requirements of the USCG but does it have the USCG approval labeled on it? If not, I do not believe the device would replace USCG approved signaling devices.

http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg5214/vds.asp

[fellinger]

Let me just add this.... IF you are being looked for by a helicopter at night, they are using night vision goggles. Almost EVERY LED electronic flare I have ever encountered is much more difficult to identify than a pyrotechnic flare. Also, in many instances the wavelength of light they emit are not even visible to NVG. We run into this problem with light from fire departments and even some radio antennas all the time!

[Hunter 2]

That does
It!   I'm returning it!!!
I'm not getting rid of my pyro flares,  the strobe is still good to have

[Bucktail]

It's a totally 100% USCG legal substitute for regular flares.  Been selling them since March. 

[IrishAyes]

Thanks for clarifying that Bob. 

[SouthPaw]

The package does say US Coast Guard Compliant on it.

[IKAT]

OK I was concerned about this so I called the Sandy Hook USCG and below is what they emailed me-should clear up all concerns  

easier to read here   http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=e20eebf5cf70cebcd5ea94bc40838b6b&mc=true&node=se33.2.175_1130&rgn=div8



e-CFR data is current as of October 4, 2016
 




Title 33 → Chapter I → Subchapter S → Part 175 → Subpart C → §175.130

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Title 33: Navigation and Navigable Waters
PART 175—EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
Subpart C—Visual Distress Signals

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§175.130   Visual distress signals accepted.

(a) Any of the following signals, when carried in the number required, can be used to meet the requirements of §175.110:

(1) An electric distress light meeting the standards of 46 CFR 161.013. One is required to meet the night only requirement.

(2) An orange flag meeting the standards of 46 CFR 160.072. One is required to meet the day only requirement.

(3) Pyrotechnics meeting the standards noted in Table 175.130.

(b) Any combination of signal devices selected from the types noted in paragraphs (a) (1), (2) and (3) of this section, when carried in the number required, may be used to meet both day and night requirements. Examples—the combination of two hand held red flares (160.021), and one parachute red flare (160.024 or 160.036) meets both day and night requirements. Three hand held orange smoke (160.037) with one electric distress light (161.013) meet both day and night requirements.
 


Table 175.130—Pyrotechnic Signal Devices




Approval number under 46 CFR

Device description

Meets requirement for

Number required



160.021

Hand Held Red Flare Distress Signals3

Day and Night

3



160.022

Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signals

Day Only

3



160.024

Parachute Red Flare Distress Signals

Day and Night1

3



160.036

Hand-Held Rocket-Propelled Parachute Red Flare Distress Signals

Day and Night

3



160.037

Hand-Held Orange Smoke Distress Signals

Day Only

3



160.057

Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signals

Day Only

3



160.066

Distress Signal for Boats, Red Aerial Pyrotechnic Flare

Day and Night2

3



1These signals require use in combination with a suitable launching device approved under 46 CFR 160.028.

2These devices may be either meteor or parachute assisted type. Some of these signals may require use in combination with a suitable launching device approved under 46 CFR 160.028.


stay safe out there!!!!