Article by Capt. Steve Katz
Light the Way, Save the Day
Since 1981, Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations requires recreational vessels to carry visual distress signals.
This regulation requires all boats when used on coastal waters, which includes the Great Lakes, the territorial seas and those waters directly connected to the Great Lakes and the territorial seas, up to a point where the waters are less than two miles wide, and boats owned in the United States when operating on the high seas to be equipped with visual distress signals.
The only exceptions are during daytime (sunrise to sunset) for:
Recreational boats less than 16 feet in length.
Boats participating in organized events such as races, regattas, or marine parades.
Open sailboats not equipped with propulsion machinery and less than 26 feet in length.
Manually propelled boats
These boats only need to carry night signals when used on these waters at night.
Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signaling Devices
Very often, pyrotechnic devices “flares” are selected to meet the requirements, there are a few types of USCG Approved Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals such as:
Pyrotechnic red flares, handheld or aerial
Pyrotechnic orange smoke, handheld or floating
Launchers for aerial red meteors or parachute flares
If you are using pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals, be aware that Pyrotechnic flares including aerial flares, handheld flares, and smoke flares, expire 42 months after the date of manufacture in accordance with the Coast Guard requirements. Expired marine flares may be carried as extra equipment but cannot be counted toward meeting the visual distress signal requirement by the Coast Guard.
Non-Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signaling Devices
There is also the option of non- pyrotechnic devices to be in compliance with the law, though they must carry the manufacturer's certification that they meet Coast Guard requirements. They must be in serviceable condition and stowed to be readily accessible.
This group includes:
Orange distress flag
Electric distress light
No single signaling device is ideal under all conditions and for all purposes. Consideration should therefore be given to carrying several types. For example, an aerial flare can be seen over a long distance on a clear night, but for closer work, a hand-held flare may be more useful.
Electronic Flares
The newest addition to this 1981 regulation is the electric distress light, sometimes called an electronic flare, E-Flare, electronic visual distress signal (EVDS) or electric s-o-s distress light. These devices utilize LED lights to simulate the functionality of traditional pyrotechnic flares. These devices offer several advantages over their pyrotechnic counterparts, including increased reliability, longer shelf life, and reduced environmental impact. Additionally, electronic flares are not classified as hazardous materials, making them easier to store and transport.
The USCG first approved the electronic flare in 2015, and in 2018 included a flashing light in the updated standard. The flashing light pattern of the EVDS is three short flashes, three long flashes, and three short flashes in a continuous repeated cycle. Many will recognize this pattern as the universal S-O-S distress signal. It was found that the EVDS was most noticeable on the water when flashing a known pattern, versus just a bight distant light that may appear to randomly flicker or flash depending on conditions.
If you choose to carry EVDS in place of traditional flares, be sure to carry a distress flag, meeting the requirements of 46 CFR 160.072.
Combining an compliant EVDS and a compliant Distress Flag will meet/exceed the requirement for carriage of approved day and night visual distress signals (found in 33 CFR part 175).
Advantages of an EVDS in place of Traditional Flares
Electronic boat flares offer benefits that contribute to enhanced safety at sea. Their reliability in adverse weather conditions, extended battery life, and reduced risk of accidental ignition make them an attractive option for boaters, other advantages include:
No expiry date
Safe for families (no open flame)
Simple to use (suitable for children and novice boaters during emergencies)
No concerns about strict disposal rules for pyrotechnic flares (classified as hazardous)
Waterproof & Floats
One-time buy (reduces long-term expenses)
Environmentally friendly
No disposal challenges
Non-Hazmat shipping
As boating technology evolves, so too do the options for distress signaling. While traditional pyrotechnic flares have long been the standard, more boaters are now making the switch to electronic boat flares that offer a modern alternative that meets or exceeds regulatory requirements. By understanding the legal considerations and advantages of electronic flares, boaters can navigate the seas safely and responsibly, ensuring they are prepared for any emergency that may arise. §
