SOS Distress Light

[Hunkydory]

Here http://www.offshoreblue.com/communications/dsc.php it says the DSC function will not work without a MMSI number enabled. I don't know for sure if that's true or not.

[Discovery]

I bought one of the strobes a few years ago when they were around $65. I keep it to remain legal with the flare requirement. If a distress situation occurs, I will first light some of the many out of date flares I've accumulated over the years

[Two Bears]

One wet, cloudy and joyful New Years eve I decided to share my joy with my neighbors by using up some of my expired fares. More than half of the flares that were 2 years or more out of date would not ignite. They had all been kept in my orange water proof "ammo box" in the unopened plastic wrap they were purchased in.

My take home lesson: If I need a flare, Start with the new stuff first.

[localboy]

[Peter & Judy]

Very interesting discussion here with lots of good information. I think I would lean to having both the electronic and traditional flares on board as an added layer of safety. My question is, Does anybody know if the electronic beacon is recognized by the Canadian Coast Guard as a replacement for traditional flares as it is by the USCG?

[hardee]

[hardee]

I bought one of the electronic flares last Spring too. For these same reasons. I carry the electronic in my ditch bag, and also some pistol flares. All the expired flares are marked "Outdated" and "For Practice Only" and stored in a separate location.

I thought these comments were particularly to the point.

Boris

[gulfcoast john]

I bought one on sale, but I think it's overpriced for the technology. It's pretty bright, but I for one would NEVER be willing to have it as my only night distress signal. A handheld or aerial flare screams "boater in trouble" to any idiot. From a mile or 2 away (and the horizon is only 3) this white blinky LED could look like someone watching a Kindle movie.
I'd buy SOLAS grade (a big step above USCG standards) pyrotechnics if going out of sight of land. When always in sight of other boaters I'd rather have a Std Hor HX851 6w handheld waterproof floating VHF for each of us with GPS and MMSI loaded (and DISTRESS button) and know how to use 'em. And the EPRIB is always in the ditch bag. Shipping it off every 5 years to replace the battery for $250 stinks but I do it. 2 PLB'S would cost even more.
I contend if you stay in very low risk boating areas spend your money instead on recent mfg 3-packs of Orion handheld flares on sale at West (no HAZMAT shipping) every 42 months and it would be both cheaper over a 10 year period and more effective.
This is the first expensive boating Boy Toy I haven't liked on record, isn't it?
Happy Cost Effective Boating!
John

[MikeR]

[thataway]

DSC will not work without a MMSI number. I noted on another thread, that I was involved with a diving safety protocol last week and I had recommended that the channel 16 call with an injured diver aboard should be elevated to May Day level, and DSC deployed. The Coast Guard commander in attendance noted that over 99% of vessels do not have functional DSC, because they don't have the MMSI number.

Same for the newer handheld VHF which have DSC--they also need the MMSI number.

[Hunkydory]

[breausaw]

Thanks for all the input, the knowledge and different prospectives are welcome.
I would expect nothing less, truly respect and appreciate this groups comments and unbiased opinions.

[hardee]

Here is a copy of the paragraph from that article. Note the operative word "full" which I highlighted.

"Once you have received your MMSI number, you must enter it into your DSC equipped radio. Each radio’s manual will have instructions how to enter the number. Once this is done your radio will have full Digital Selective Calling capabilities. If you elect not to apply for and enter a MMSI number into your marine radio, the DSC features will not be functional."

The line in Italics (my emphasis) is true for Standard Horizon GX2200, ICOM M-506 and Raymarine 218. Some maunals have that info easier to find than others, had to dig in the ICOM one. I don't know if it is true for other mfg vhf's.

Sorry for any confusion, but it was my understanding that the DSC call button would put out and emergency call with position as long as it was connected to a GPS. Glad this came up, and again, learning something everyday on C-BRATS.

Harvey
SleepyC

[letitride]

I purchased the SOS light and really like it, having said that I also will still carry flares. I also have a PLB, 2 portable VHF radios, along with loads of other safety gear..............if some-one is looking for you in the water or on a boat adrift this SOS light will work perfectly to show them "who are looking for you" where you are at night or during the day so it's a great item to add to your existing ditch kit. It will signal your exact position longer than any flare ever could.

The light is extremely bright and there are some videos online that test at night both the SOS light and a hand held signal flare at different ranges and weather conditions, the hand held flare does not have the same visible range as the SOS light at night, once again if your able to contact another boat via VHF radio, this light will help them to find you more easily.

Flares expire and I didn't want a ticket from Coast Guard that was the main reason, but I have changed my mind the SOS light has some excellent pros...and I will still carry flares

[hardee]