When it comes to safety devices—especially in the ocean—flares are a must. But unlike a GPS or a compass, flares aren’t something you can really practice with to make sure you know how to use it properly, unless of course you want to draw a bunch of unwarranted attention from authorities.
That's why the BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water recently tested a range of handheld signaling devices on the water in both day and night conditions and put the entire video series of real-world tests at www.BoatUS.com/foundation.
“Everyone has these great safety devices aboard, but it’s a challenge to learn how to use them to improve your chances of a swift rescue,” said BoatU.S. Foundation Vice President Chris Edmonston. “The videos will also help boaters make the right purchasing decision by showing them what to expect on the water.”
The tests included Safety of Life at Sea or SOLAS-approved handheld flares, U.S. Coast Guard-approved gun-style flare launchers, parachute and meteor flares, smoke canisters, and pocket rockets as well some non-pyrotechnic visual distress signals such as the newest battery-powered laser signaling devices and distress signal flags.
Accompanying the videos is an online feature article, Foundation Findings #45, Flare Tests Enlightening, which provides an overview of the tests and results. For more information, go to www.BoatUS.com/foundation.
