CG regulations

cwms

cwms

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This topic came up on another forum I visit (sailing) and I thought I'd hit the brain trust here.
A buddy of mine just bought a spotlight that when turned on, automatically flashes S-O-S. He said if you have it, you don't have to have flares.
I looked at CG regs and it seems like that maybe if you had a boat under 16', you could do that as the regs only say you must have an approved signaling device. So is this type of flashlight an "approved" device?

Over 16', you must have flares or flare gun.

What's the scoop?
 
i dont think i'd rely on that regardless of regs. besides being more reliable, a flare will be seen from greater distance especially in rough seas.
 
And beside, I wonder how many people out on the water would recognize dit-dit-dit, dah-dah-dah, dit-dit-dit anyway anymore. Too few know Morse Code any longer.
 
Pascal, I totally agree. Of course, I would hope no one in their right mind is going to be in big water, at night, in a boat under 16'.
I just want to know the actual regulations on this.
 
quote:
Originally posted by cmagic99

And beside, I wonder how many people out on the water would recognize dit-dit-dit, dah-dah-dah, dit-dit-dit anyway anymore. Too few know Morse Code any longer.

Click to expand...


I agree with that also - few know Morse code - but IMO, all boaters should at least know SOS. If it's not already, that should be taught in boating safety classes.
 
Visual signals include:
Flares (day/night)
Orange flag (day only)
electric distress light (day/night)

Boats under 16ft are only required to carry a visual distress signal if operating at night. An example, on my 18ft bowrider I have an orange flag and flares, on the Seadoo I don't carry either.
 
I do not believe there is any CG requirement for pyrotechnic flares so your buddy is technically correct. However, I prefer to carry up to date SOLAS flares.
 
Don't get the solar powered one! j/k.

The Boat/U.S. Foundation tests of various approved signalling devices had this to say about the SOS light:

"The ACR Electronic DistresS.O.S. Night Visual Distress Signal is not to be confused with a traditional flash light. This product when switched on will signal an S-O-S pattern ( short, short, short, long, long, long, short, short, short). This product meets Coast Guard approval for night use only. We found during our test that the SOS flashing white light could easily be confused with shore lights in a densely populated area. The local lights, or back scatter, made it hard to pick out the SOS light and left us questioning whether another boater or person on shore would respond appropriately—even if they did see it."

They also said the light was easily confused for a flashing nav aid.

I'd think it would be unwise to have one of these INSTEAD OF more obviously recognizable flares, particularly aerials. Of course , any good flashlight (waterproof for boat use, with fresh extra batteries) can be used to flash SOS or help get needed attention.
 
OK, here's the scoop. If you have one of these lights and it haas the CG stamp on it, you do not have to have flares. A buddy bought one , not to replace his flares (he has plenty) but now he doesn't have to worry about them being out of date if he gets boarded. But now he has to make sure he has a fresh battery in it.
 
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