trapezeartist
New member
Coastguard regs have to take into account HSE work rules, which we don't. Many lifeboat shouts have come about by flares being seen from shore by members of the public who most likely wouldn't recognise a laser as a distress signal. Where we're based, flares are mandatory, as is a long list of equipment - Most UK registered boats come into category 1 - http://liveinfo.lagosnavigators.net...uguese-safety-equipment-standards-for-yachts/
Yes the Coastguard does have to take into account the dreaded Elf and Safety, and I would put the paperwork into that category. But when it comes to the practicalities of transport, storage, firing and the potential for things going wrong, there is no difference between the Coastguard and "we". I agree with you on the point about laser flares. That's why I'm hoping that there will be a nationally or internationally-recognised standard soon, and why I am currently in the unsatisfactory situation of carrying neither flares nor a safe alternative.