Flare Replacement.

[rotrax]

Just ordered a Sirius LED Flare. Flashes SOS in Morse Code in the horizontal plane, 360 degrees, and a vertical flashing SOS beam that SAR Aircraft can see from above.

Batteries can be self changed, it can be hoisted to the masthead or will float. In ideal conditions it can be seen at 3 miles in daylight, 10 miles at night.

My offshore pyrotechnics have just expired. I shall keep them for a couple more years.

I know it is not the complete answer, but i believe it to be a step in the right direction.

I have stepped back and am awaiting incoming...........................................

 

[Daydream believer]

If you go to France I believe that you may be fined if found to be carrying flares that are out of date
The authorities have checked mine several times in Boulogne & a few other places along the French coast.

 

[Plum]

Good choice. These LED devices are a great addition to your distress alerting armoury but unfortunately they are called "flares" and often compared to pyrotechnic flares, which they should not be. I have dispensed with pyrotechnics but have expanded my armoury in other ways and feel better equiped as a result

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[FWB]

If you go to France I believe that you may be fined if found to be carrying flares that are out of date
The authorities have checked mine several times in Boulogne & a few other places along the French coast.

Yet another reason to stay in Blighty ?

 

[Thistle]

Looks good. Are they approved for UK use?

 

[rotrax]

Approved by the US Coastguard. Flares are not compulsory in the UK AFAIK.

I have no idea what approval electronic emergency signals might require here.

 

[westhinder]

I am convinced it is the way forward, have had a LED 'flare' for a couple of years now.
Belgian law requires me to carry in date flares, so I have them as well. If they weren't mandatory, I would always keep a couple of smoke pots. They are a great help for helicopter crews looking for a boat, I understand

 

[freespiritdavid]

just changed to the led one as all flares were date expired. Handed them in to the coastguard while its free as in Jan 23 you will have to pay to dispose of them correctly. I would think this will bring about some dumping them rather than paying.

 

[boomerangben]

Message deleted

 

[Sandy]

My feelings about pyrotechnics are well known. The LED flares are as useful as a chocolate teapot.

 

[boomerangben]

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?st...QQY8SXTMnckbuo3kUnpWTA85ml&id=100064678208383
A report that demonstrates to me at least the perfect blend of electronic and traditional aids to search and rescue.

since most of us sail by day should we not carry the most visible aid possible? It certainly got those fishermen rescued in quick time.
As an ex SAR pilot, I personally feel there is nothing better than pyros for getting seen from the air. I have not used or seen the latest LED flares but smoke and heat is such a useful aid to location

 

[rotrax]

You have your opinion, and I respect it.

At the end of the day, it is just that, an opinion.

The manufacturers and the US Coastguard have a different one though.

No doubt somewhere between your aversion to them and what advantages electronic emergency signals are stated to have, there is a truth.

Technology has advanced a long way from black powder and chemicals to give colour and smoke in pyrotechnics.

I will be in a far better position than you in finding that truth.

 

[Stemar]

I'd far rather have an LED flare (for want of a better word) in a frightened crew member's hand while the boat's leaping around than a sodding great firework. Plus, the LED job will go for hours, not seconds, and lasts for years. I say crew member because I expect that I'll be for to busy trying to keep the boat afloat long enough for the cavalry to arrive

It's highly unlikely that a flare will be the first resort when calling for help. Fixed VHF, HH VHF, as many phones as there are people on board unless you're well offshore. an EPIRB if you are, are all better bets IMO. I reckon my LED job is far more useful once help is in the area than a HH firework

 

[Sandy]

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?st...QQY8SXTMnckbuo3kUnpWTA85ml&id=100064678208383
A report that demonstrates to me at least the perfect blend of electronic and traditional aids to search and rescue.

since most of us sail by day should we not carry the most visible aid possible? It certainly got those fishermen rescued in quick time.
As an ex SAR pilot, I personally feel there is nothing better than pyros for getting seen from the air. I have not used or seen the latest LED flares but smoke is such a useful aid to location

One reason I am so excited about the duel AIS/PLB product from Ocean Signal. Pyrotechnics are brilliant for SAR teams in the last mile, my experience is as a Mountain Rescue Team working with RAF 22 SQN back in the day.

 

[harvey38]

Not sure about the combination of an inflatable liferaft and a superheated pyrotechnic

 

[Praxinoscope]

I dispensed with pyrotechnic flares in favour of LED several years ago, but the LED’s are supplemented by a PLB which is potentially more efficient than either of the visual signals.

 

[boomerangben]

Not sure about the combination of an inflatable liferaft and a superheated pyrotechnic

Wasn’t a problem for those fishermen- just hold it outboard which you would do regardless of where you are

 

[boomerangben]

I dispensed with pyrotechnic flares in favour of LED several years ago, but the LED’s are supplemented by a PLB which is potentially more efficient than either of the visual signals.

When you are using your satnav to find a house, where are you looking? Once a SAR asset gets on scene they are looking out of the window (whilst monitoring the nav system) much like in the car . Satnav gets you to the right end of the road. If you know you are looking for a red door, finding it is much quicker. The brighter the aid the quicker you are likely to be seen

 

[lustyd]

To be fair though, once the SAR arrives you're probably the only thing they can see other than water, just don't buy the navy blue oilies!

 

[Adios]

When you are using your satnav to find a house, where are you looking? Once a SAR asset gets on scene they are looking out of the window (whilst monitoring the nav system) much like in the car . Satnav gets you to the right end of the road. If you know you are looking for a red door, finding it is much quicker. The brighter the aid the quicker you are likely to be seen

So an LED flare that can run for hours and be seen for miles is a good follow on from the PLB no?