Electronic signal flare

[Brian N.]

For about 2X the price of pyrotechnic flares I finally purchased an electronic flare. Not as bright as I expected, but they claim viability to 6 miles. The flare runs on 2 "C" batteries so no more expired flares to worry about or dispose of. It flashes S-O-S. BTW - I contacted the Coast Guard about compliance and they said as long as the device is labeled with the specific compliance statute its good to go. Also, it includes an orange and black day-flag, which is required for compliance. In addition I asked them about expired flares, and the officer said to keep them on the boat in a ziplock bag marked "expired". 

[Riggerdood]

Brian, just curious, is the flare something that actually gets launched into the air? Or how would you deploy it?

So now, instead of worrying about expired flares, I guess you just need to replace the batteries on a regular basis? Maybe when the time changes, and you replace them in your smoke detectors ... 

[Brian N.]

The "Flare" is made by ARC and is the "ResQFlare" and Coast Guard certified (when carried with the supplied orange flag). It is just slightly bigger than a flashlight and is handheld.

[Riggerdood]

Interesting. So I assume you're supposed to display the flag when using the flare?

[pgandw]

Interesting. So I assume you're supposed to display the flag when using the flare?

The flag is for daytime use when the rescue light may not be bright enough to be easily seen.

Fred W

[DBthal]

Interesting. So I assume you're supposed to display the flag when using the flare?

The flag is for daytime use when the rescue light may not be bright enough to be easily seen.

Fred W

That's why it's good to keep your old flares (labeled expired) on the boat. They are still likely to work to attract attention in the daylight.

[Riggerdood]

Interesting. So I assume you're supposed to display the flag when using the flare?

The flag is for daytime use when the rescue light may not be bright enough to be easily seen.

Fred W

Ah, makes sense.

[Riggerdood]

Interesting. So I assume you're supposed to display the flag when using the flare?

The flag is for daytime use when the rescue light may not be bright enough to be easily seen.

Fred W

That's why it's good to keep your old flares (labeled expired) on the boat. They are still likely to work to attract attention in the daylight.

I do keep a pack of labeled expired flares along with a pack of unexpired ones aboard. Why not? Seems you can't really do anything else with the expired ones?