There is no substitute for conventional pyrotechnic flares for commercial and leisure sailors, says the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
Conventional flares produce an unmatched visual capability, says new guidance from the MCA.
MIN 542, Life saving appliances – recognised distress signals and advertised alternatives to pyrotechnic flares, says the MCA is not aware of any other product “which meets the light intensity required by the IMO for distress flares” and “may not be recognised as a distress signal.”
“For commercial vessels which are required to carry flares, any hand-held distress flares carried must meet the requirements of the Marine Equipment Directive (demonstrated by the presence of the Wheel Mark), which incorporates European and IMO requirements.”
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