Electric distress light? Where to buy

[jack2]

Does anyone know where I can buy an Electric distress light that flashes SOS that is USCG approved? I can not find one on sailnet, defender or west marine.

[mdbee]

Some flashlights have that feature. I doubt they are USCG approved.

Here is one:Waterproof S.O.S. / Strobe / Marker / Flashlight

Google: flashlight sos signal

[jrd22]

Do you mean a light that automatically flashes dot dot dot dash dash dash dot dot dot? Seems like it would be pretty easy to remember that and just use a handheld flashlight or spotlight? Maybe I'm missing something, that's been happening a lot lately:-))

[chuck53]

A friend of mine bought one at a marine yard sale the other day. He says if you have one, you don't have to have flares.
I've never heard that before but he's the kind of guy I would tend to believe on something like this.
Would like to get some kind of confirmation on it.

[Zanshin]

I believe that the USA is signatory to SOLAS V, in which case _nothing_ allows you to dispense with flares.

[chuck53]

I looked at CG requirements. For boats under 16 feet, it says:
Must carry approved visual distress signals for nighttime use.

It did not go into what was considered approved, but when you looked at requirements for over 16', it specifically mentioned day and night time flares

So maybe, the SOS type of lantern is all that is needed for under 16'

[SVAuspicious]

Originally Posted by chuck53

I looked at CG requirements. For boats under 16 feet, it says:
Must carry approved visual distress signals for nighttime use.

It did not go into what was considered approved, but when you looked at requirements for over 16', it specifically mentioned day and night time flares

So maybe, the SOS type of lantern is all that is needed for under 16'

I think a standard flashlight qualifies for small boats.

[chuck53]

I'm going to ask around this weekend. There are a couple of guys at the marina who do Power Squadron courtesy checks as well as one who does it for the CG Aux.

[sailingfool]

Originally Posted by chuck53

A friend of mine bought one at a marine yard sale the other day. He says if you have one, you don't have to have flares.
I've never heard that before but he's the kind of guy I would tend to believe on something like this.
Would like to get some kind of confirmation on it.

You can read the regs yourself here Federal Requirements.

The electrical torch meets the night requirement, provided it displays USCG approval.