Laser Flares?

[jongleur]

Has anybody got one of these on their boat?

https://www.northamericanlaserflares...-M-3_p_48.html

At the Seattle boat show, the people in that
booth said this would be legal to replace
flares come August of this year.

Anybody know if that's true?

[Badsanta]

I use the rescue laser flare. Really lights up a reflective marker. I have not had to use it in an emergency.

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by jongleur;

At the Seattle boat show, the people in that
booth said this would be legal to replace
flares come August of this year.

Anybody know if that's true?

Already legal in Europe, I think.
Colregs need to be changed in each country, so even though its 'international' each ratifying country passes it in legislation.
It includes the demise of smoke flares.

Its another good move forward, but like AIS and even electronic charts it will be a generational change not complete till the Grim Reaper clears the decks.

[Travis McGee]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

Already legal in Europe, I think.
Colregs need to be changed in each country, so even though its 'international' each ratifying country passes it in legislation.
It includes the demise of smoke flares.

Its another good move forward, but like AIS and even electronic charts it will be a generational change not complete till the Grim Reaper clears the decks.

I resemble that remark, mate! But this is a chance to note for the record that while we all buy new flares to be current with the regs, I have tested 30+ year old flares, and they have always worked like they were made last month. That said, I'll be first in line for laser flares.

[argalax]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

It includes the demise of smoke flares.

LED/laser flares - a good idea - AT NIGHT, but I am not sure how can it replace the smoke type (i.e. to be used during the day).

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by argalax

LED/laser flares - a good idea - AT NIGHT, but I am not sure how can it replace the smoke type (i.e. to be used during the day).

They come with Polaroids...??
Sorry.. its a Generational thing.. lolol

[BandB]

Originally Posted by boatman61

They come with Polaroids...??
Sorry.. its a Generational thing.. lolol

Yes, and I want to hear you explain cameras using film to the next generation and then what a miraculous invention Polaroids were. While you're at it, explain ancient pioneer days before we had Microwave ovens. Or black and white televisions.

We're young and already have found ourselves explaining that some people only have phones plugged into lines at home and even some who have cellular phones have the old type that won't do anything but make a phone call.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by BandB

Yes, and I want to hear you explain cameras using film to the next generation and then what a miraculous invention Polaroids were. While you're at it, explain ancient pioneer days before we had Microwave ovens. Or black and white televisions.

We're young and already have found ourselves explaining that some people only have phones plugged into lines at home and even some who have cellular phones have the old type that won't do anything but make a phone call.

Thread drift...

[Cheechako]

Can you aim them? seems they would be great... you could aim it at the bridge of a passing freighter... now if it had a bell so you could wake them up... :>)

[jongleur]

Fun thread drift, but the original question:

Anybody know if it's true that they will
be legal to replace flares after August of
this year?

[Nicholson58]

Originally Posted by Travis McGee

I resemble that remark, mate! But this is a chance to note for the record that while we all buy new flares to be current with the regs, I have tested 30+ year old flares, and they have always worked like they were made last month. That said, I'll be first in line for laser flares.

Kind of makes it absurd that we are required to replace them. I too have about a bushel basket of expired stuff. I would be willing to bet that not more than one would fail to operate. This is especially true for the waterproof 26 mm aluminum cartridges sealed with hard wax. 12 GA shells in plastic casings also sealed are waterproof and will operate under water. I wonder what the criteria is for applying an expiration date? The IOWA class destroyers (now retired) fired their monster guns with WWII powder and vintage shells.

I did a bit of checking into the laser flares. If nothing has changed - They are costly. I also found that the batteries will also be dated to "expire" in three years or so and that, like EBIRBs, will require a trip to a service center for new batteries and re-certification AND that this will cost more than conventional flares + shipping. Until the owner/user is permitted to change the batteries in his own flashlight, I'm not interested.

Frankly, I don't know why EPIRBs don't have a charger riding on you battery system. It would always be fully topped when you needed it. An automated load test could notify you to pop the top and replace them YOURSELF. Waiting for postal turn-around in no-where-ville is a poor way to run things.

[xeon_tsd]

Found this

ODEO Laser Flare Review - YouTube

[Nicholson58]

I followed links and found:

Odeo Flare :: #1 in Laser Flares

On their FAQ it states users can replace batteries BUT it is not SOLAS approved yet. Look for final regs to see if regulator/writers require official service. This sounds nice as a way to avoid buying yet more pyro-flares. It is clear from the video that standard flares are a lot brighter. The laser, however, can be switched on/off and will operate for hours. If you worry about burning a hole in your life raft, this could be an alternative, if allowed.

[lonesoldier0408]

I like them and see potential, I do however prefer the projectile type for range, which improves with elevation. The potential in various weather should also be considered. As for regulation to name this the, "Holy Grail." It will happen, it's another way to disarm us. Military 27 plus years says, it is the man behind the curtain that kicks off the show, for his benefit, in the name of everyone's.

[jongleur]

It can be hoisted up the mast, too.
Try that with a burning flare.

Crap! More thread drift.