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SOS Distress Light

2016 March 1

 

The SOS Distress Light from Weems & Plath is approved by the United States Coast Guard for use in lieu of traditional pyrotechnic flares. Designed and patented by Sirius Signal, it never expires, so boaters can be confident it will be there when needed.  This device floats with the lens up, and runs for up to 60 hours. It is designed to be hand-held, tethered or hoisted aloft. The light flashes the SOS sequence, so there is no programming to do, or concern that it might be mistaken for a regular operating light.  It complies with U.S. Coast Guard requirements for nighttime use, and is visible for up to 10 nautical miles. To turn it on, a simple twist is all that is required. There are no flames or challenging flints to ignite. The SOS Distress Light runs on three C-cell alkaline batteries. The electronic flare market is expanding rapidly, but as of now, this is the only one available with the USCG stamp of approval. www.weems-plath.com, $100