SOS Distress Light

ssobol":kwr0cxi1 said:
My understanding for an unregistered DSC radio is that the DSC activation will still send your position. It just won't be able to be cross referenced to your name, address, boat name, etc. through a database look up.

Putting a MMSI number into your radio does not magically load that info into your device, there has to be an external database.

Also, if you want a "real" number that works everywhere you need to pay some money for it. The free (or low cost) ones are only registered in the US.
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FIRST OF ALL, IF you install a DSC VHF radio, It has to have GPS input from someplace, either an internal GPS (of which there are becoming more available), connected to a GPS or to an MFD with GPS output.

IF that is done, THEN your VHF will send out a signal with your location when you lift the Red Cover and push and hold the DSC Emergency button. I believe that is common for all brands, (But you should check with your VHF instructions or manufacture's rep for your specific model.)

WHEN the MMSI is entered into your VHF, your specific boat information is included in the emergency broadcast. If you received your MMSI from the US FCC and paid the associated fees, your information will be in an international data base and accessible to non-USA Search And Rescue agencies. If your MMSI came from another source, ( BoatUS, or ???) then you are only listed in a USA available data base. Your position will still be broadcast if you are in foreign waters, but specific boat info, (Boat name, Length, color, type, power, home port etc will not be available.) I have heard from a Canadian Coast Guard officer that in some cases at least, they have called the US Coast Guard for additional MMSI info when they are tracking a signal.

Hope that clarifies some.

Harvey
SleepyC:moon

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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 All the expired flares are marked "Outdated" and "For Practice Only" and stored in a separate location.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
I bought one of these units last year. They're the latest alternative to flares, but the light is never outdated. I think this makes me legal. BTW, comes with a flag for daytime. And I can test it without destroying it.
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ssobol
The only obvious advantage to flares is that their unique burn "signature" can distinguish them from other objects. While this cannot be completely discounted, it is not a requirement of the regulation that all visual signaling devices must replicate this feature.

An electric device that is approved as a replacement to flares wins hands down when considered from a regulatory point of view. To wit, it is of the required brightness and it "burns" for at least the required duration In addition, it is not a hazardous material, it can be stored indefinitely, and there is no expiration date (which is its biggest selling point right now).

If the strobe light saves me once from a citation for having outdated flares, it has probably paid for itself. Not to mention not having to deal with obtaining flares and disposing of the expired ones (at some point your going to have to get rid of some old ones, otherwise they'll just pile up).
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I added the bold highlight emphasis.

AND I agree with BOB, the line of sight is a pretty significant limitation to the effectiveness of the electronic LED light. (The reason to care aerial flares of some sort.) Also, a PLB or EPIRB should be on board for anyone doing remote or offshore cruising.


Harvey
SleepyC :moon

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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
 
ssobol":11c05nuj said:
My understanding for an unregistered DSC radio is that the DSC activation will still send your position.
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hardee":11c05nuj said:
FIRST OF ALL, IF you install a DSC VHF radio, It has to have GPS input from someplace, either an internal GPS (of which there are becoming more available), connected to a GPS or to an MFD with GPS output.

IF that is done, THEN your VHF will send out a signal with your location when you lift the Red Cover and push and hold the DSC Emergency button. I believe that is common for all brands, (But you should check with your VHF instructions or manufacture's rep for your specific model.)
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Slightly off topic here but Harvey's last sentence above is important - don't assume your assume DSC will work without an MMSI programmed until you check your manual first. Quoting the manuals for both my radios, a GX2200 and GX5500, they both say:
"To be able to transmit a DSC distress signal, an MMSI number must be programed"
This disclaimer is highlighted immediately preceding the instructions on pressing the little red Distress button.

-Mike
 
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":3kk0x9dh said:
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.
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Bob, that is why I posted the above link. In it is this quote "If you elect not to apply for and enter a MMSI number into your marine radio, the DSC features will not be functional.". With so many saying otherwise, I thought, even though clearly stated, it must mean just some functions of DSC don't work, but boat position if activated would be shown.
 
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.
 
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 :moon

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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 :D :D
 
letitride":va43t0th said:
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 :D :D
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FYI, the LED Electronic flare is Coast Guard legal for a night time signalling device. To meet the CG requirements, you must have a day signaling device as well. That is why it is packaged (at least when I got mine) with a daytime emergency signal --> Orange flag with the black square and circle. That would probably be more visible in bright daylight hours.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

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breausaw":1bgs1lyo said:
Thinking of puchasing one of these to satisfy USCG Federal Requirements for DAY and NIGHT use in lieu of traditional flares.

No more worries of expired flares.

Will still keep the old flares, perhaps label them (for training only) when they expire.
Like to keep a 3 pack in the ditch bag, good for starting beach fire in an emergency.

Is anyone else carrying these? https://siriussignal.com

$100 a pop.


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I saw these at the Seattle Boat Show last weekend at the "Captains Table" for ~$65.00. I have had mine for one year now and keep it in the ditch bag. Check it occasionally and it is holding fine. Will get new batteries before this season starts.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

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Had a neighbor who ended up in a liferaft for 66 days. Said hand flares were all but useless. Buy the gun. He had plenty of ships go right by him, but was convinced that had he had the gun he would have been picked up much earlier.

Book is here - it's a decent read, but like being adrift it gets a bit repetitive.

https://www.amazon.com/66-Days-Adrift-D ... 0071438742

I kept my expired hand flares, but replace the gun flares only.
 
I've thought about getting one, but only due to their not having an expiration date. I'd still keep the flares on board, as I question just how effective that light would be at night in heavy seas. Colby
 
I got one mostly to avoid being caught out during a boat check.

However, the SOS light lasts a lot longer than a flare (burn time). Is not hazardous to operate, store, or ship. And can be simply operated when one is in the water (good luck trying to light a flare while floating in 2' waves).

In heavy seas, it is probably more effective than a flare because of the burn time.

The only drawback is that the light of a flare is brighter and more distinctive, and people are more conditioned to respond/react to a flare vs. a blinking light.

The electronic distress light should incorporate a light source that also radiates well in the IR spectrum. This will cause it to show up brightly in FLIR systems.
 
While I'm thinking about it, if they are still available for $65 (new) and someone can purchase me one and bring it to the FH gathering, I'd happily pay you back for it. Colby
 
I think there are lots of good reasons for both flares and the electronic light. But considering that the e-light last for about 5000 times longer than the flares, I'm pretty sure it would be at least as effective as they are.

Colby, sorry I wont be going back to SBS but maybe some one here will.

I carry several lights that have the SOS function but just thought about, "Wonder if it is possible to get them all flashing in sync?"

Harvey
SleepyC:moon

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