Led Flares

[Adrian62]

Looking at Getting a Led Flare for my boat as all pyros are out of date and we don’t go too far of the coast . I see PBO recommend the Odeo ones . Any one recommend which one as I see they do Mk 3s and Mk 4s . I would presume that the Mk 4s are the latest version . Thanks

 

[Plum]

Looking at Getting a Led Flare for my boat as all pyros are out of date and we don’t go too far of the coast . I see PBO recommend the Odeo ones . Any one recommend which one as I see they do Mk 3s and Mk 4s . I would presume that the Mk 4s are the latest version . Thanks

Can't help with a recommendation on make but this subject has come up many times before so I hope you are aware that they are useful but many beleive they do not provide the same function as a pyro flare.

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[ctva]

To Joe public and many of us, flashing red light or copious smoke and flame, I know which I would prefer in an emergency. I did look at the Odeo ones a few years back but when combined with VHF, mobile phone, PLB, EPIRB, etc., they are not needed.

 

[[70521]]

I will always carry pyrotechnics as the electronic ones do not have and WOW factor. Used at the right place and time they do get noticed.

 

[rotrax]

A couple of American Sirius LED Flares have been recently approved by the US Coastguard. They flash SOS and have good range.

Check out the Sirius website. LED Flares have come a long way recently.

Pyrotechnics have had their day IMHO.

 

[RobF]

When I discussed this on Facebook recently, there were a number of polarised views.

Pyro flares are much brighter, and SOLAS approved and are required if you intend to code your boat or conform with some ISAF racing standards. They should also show up very bright on any FLIR (forward looking infra red) sensors on SAR craft.

LED flares are very bright at night, but could be missed in the day. They are safer (in my opinion) and their operating time far surpasses that of the pyro flare (several hours versus about 1 minute). They don't have 'use by' dates and can be safely tested.

Personally, I don't like the idea of having petrol in my cabin, let alone flares. Therefore I went for the LED Odeo flare. I already carry DSC VHF and EPIRB and a PLB, so consider my LED flare as a secondary means of raising help and a means to guide rescuers to my position. I am considering getting some Orange smoke flares for daytime emergency use.

Whilst an LED flare is appropriate for my personal risk appetite and my perception of risk, others are welcome to make different choices based on different risk appetites and risk perceptions.

 

[ctva]

…They [LED flares]don't have 'use by' dates and can be safely tested.
…

Unless they have user replaceable batteries, they will.

 

[thinwater]

Unless they have user replaceable batteries, they will.

Annual battery replacement (or two years I think for lithium) is the service requirement. Obviously.

The development effort was actually started by and pushed by the USCG. They wanted something better than pyro.

I've tested them side-by-side with pyro, and the LED, flashing SOS, was far more obvious.

 

[RobF]

Unless they have user replaceable batteries, they will.

That's fair, although both of the Odeo flares mentioned by the OP noted have user replaceable batteries. TBH, I'm not aware of any LED flares (or more accurately, eVDS) on sale today which don't have user replaceable batteries - but happy to be informed otherwise.

 

[thinwater]

That's fair, although both of the Odeo flares mentioned by the OP noted have user replaceable batteries. TBH, I'm not aware of any LED flares (or more accurately, eVDS) on sale today which don't have user replaceable batteries - but happy to be informed otherwise.

Only three, by Serius and Orion, are USCG-approved, and both have replaceable batteries. (I have tested both.)

The Serius is BRIGHT!

 

[[70521]]

I've tested them side-by-side with pyro, and the LED, flashing SOS, was far more obvious.

I'd be interested in seeing any test results.

I've used pyrotechnics as a member of a Mountain Rescue Team and from what I've seen of LED flares they do little to attract attention. Any reports from Search and Rescue Helicopter pilots about visibility of them or if people flash them at aircraft to attract attention? Any reports if people miss the light using peripheral vision?

 

[thinwater]

The USCG eVDS are not you typical laser flares. The SOS pattern is very distinctive, and the Sirius flare also flashes in a IR band optimized for night vision detection. You also have a product that is going to run for 8 hours or more, not just seconds.

You do NOT flash them or wave them. They need to be held level and reasonably steady, sort of like an anchor light. Either a rod holder or suspension.

Review in Practical Sailor Magazine

 

[Lightwave395]

Has anyone seen if Sirius are available anywhere in Europe yet ? Can't see on their website

 

[Stemar]

I accept that flares have that certain je ne sais quoi

but I rather think that if I need Joe Public to see one, I'm going to be rather busy, and the thought of a frightened crew member who's never used on before waving a big firework around scares me nearly as much as the emergency. I rarely go far offshore, so DSC VHF plus a handheld should do the initial bit, and a handheld flare would, I hope, only be used once help is out looking for me, when the ability to work for hours rather than a minute or so would, I think be more useful.

That's my risk assessment, for the sailing I do and for the people I sail with. Yours may differ.

PS apologies for the tease. Here's a much nicer pair, though I doubt they're SOLAS approved