Well, I 've invested in an ODEO flare, as I think it will do just fine for the only remaining task for flares, that of guiding in the lifeboat or helicopter at short range. VHF/DSC has fully taken over from parachute flares, in the real world, I would have thought. It will stay alight for hours, not seconds, too. Yes, a red flare does always signify SOS, so I have no problem with that. A white flare is for attention grabbing, and I believe that other electronic flares have this feature.

The USCG has issued this guidance on electric signalling devices. https://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg5214/vds.asp#nonpyro


ELECTRIC S-O-S DISTRESS LIGHT


APPROVAL CATEGORY: 161.013

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: This is an alternative to flares for recreational boats. It is required to automatically flash S-O-S. Light intensity and duration requirements apply. Electric S-O-S distress lights are self-certified by the manufacturer. The Coast Guard does not issue approvals or keep an authenticated list of manufacturers. Approval standards for these lights are found in Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Subpart 161.013.

The Sirius claims to satisfy all USCG requirements. https://siriussignal.com/

West Marine has issued this analysis: https://www.westmarine.com/WestAdvisor/Selecting-Visual-Distress-Signals

Sail Magazine last year concluded that laser flares are a good addition but should not yet replace traditional pyrotechnics. http://www.sailmagazine.com/gear/safety/the-rise-of-electronic-flares-and-distress-signals/

Vice Commodore, OCC 

I need to do some research and some thinking on the subject, but I was a little uncomfortable with the electronic flares I looked at flashing SOS as their signal. Does a red flare (pyrotechnic) always signal "mayday"? SOS to my mind always signals "mayday". I would have been more comfortable if the signal had been a red blinking/strobe so I could use it for attention grabbing. I did not purchase.
Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy

Looks like a new technology that will render pyrotechnics obselete in th e near future - thank goodness!

Yachting Monthly has tested the ODEO laser flare and compared it with a standard flare. It appears that the ODEO is a viable and safe alternative to magnesium based pyrotechnics. Does anyone have personal experience?


http://youtu.be/t47hFJBsMZA

I also queried them on whether or not the ODEO is recognized by US and UK authorities as an approved signalling device.

Vice Commodore, OCC