rescueME EDF2 Flare

Meeting the requirements of RTCM 13200.00, the buoyant EDF2 electronic boat flare is classified as an Electronic Visual Distress Signal Device (eVDSD) and utilizes multi-color SOS distress signaling to produce greater luminosity with substantially better light distribution. The use of red-orange and cyan LEDs allows for enhanced visibility on the water while the addition of an infrared (IR) component leads to even greater visibility when Night Vision equipment is in use by Search and Rescue.

The EDF2 facilitates rescue by emitting the flash characteristic for the International Morse Code for S-O-S, where the first “S” is represented by three red-orange LED flashes, followed by the “O” which is represented by three cyan LED flashes, and the final “S” which is represented by another three red-orange LED flashes. Simultaneous to the visible red-orange and cyan flashing LEDs, the IR component flashes the same S-O-S pattern that is optimized for visibility via Night Vision Goggles (NVG). Perhaps most impressive, even with the extensive number of visible and IR flashes occurring, the high level of light intensity produced, and the significant light distribution range (Luminous angle ≥ 180°) that is achieved, the EDF2 still attains an impressive operational life of at least three hours (exceeding RTCM requirements by 50%).

What’s Included

Also meeting the requirements within 46 CFR 161.013, the EDF2 electronic boat flare is classified as an approved Night Visual Distress Signal. Given that a Distress Flag, meeting the requirements of 46 CFR 160.072, is included in the package with every EDF2, users are also provided with an approved Day Visual Distress Signal (the requirement for carriage of approved day and night visual distress signals can be found in 33 CFR part 175). The supplied Distress Flag provides numerous daylight signaling options. The flag can be flown by attaching to the mast or simply hoisting to the highest possible point. It can also be displayed by hand, tied to, and then waved on items such as a boat hook, paddle, or fishing rod, or it can be laid flat on the deck to attract aircraft. The flag should be used only as a day signal and when displayed correctly, the black square should be over the black circle.

In addition to the distress flag, also included is a bracket and the corresponding mounting hardware allowing users to conveniently mount the product to the vessel so that the EDF2 is always accessible when needed. A 1 meter lanyard can also be found concealed beneath the black Velcro strap around the mid-body of the product. This lanyard can be used to tether the EDF2 to a person or life raft in an emergency situation.

Carriage Requirements

In the U.S.*, carriage of the EDF2 boat flare and Distress Flag together allows boaters to forego the requirement for traditional pyrotechnic flares when on recreational vessels up to 65’ in length, boating on the Great Lakes, within 12 miles of U.S. waters, or on any body of water with a passageway to the sea at least two miles wide. Vessels less than 16’ are not required to carry a Day Visual Distress Signal but must still carry a Night Visual Distress Signal, making the EDF2 a more than viable alternative to pyrotechnic flares for vessels of this size as well. Note: In Canada, the EDF2 can be carried on pleasure craft in lieu of pyrotechnic flares (Policy TP 13585 E) if carried with an approved smoke signal (for daytime alerting).

With consistent light distribution over a significant range** and a burn time 15 times greater than the average pyrotechnic flares***, the EDF2 is clearly the “brightest” choice one can make.

*For approvals in other countries, see requirements of the applicable national authority to reference

their specific acceptance of an eVDSD meeting RTCM 13200.00

**Luminous angle ≥ 180°

***Based on carriage of 4 pyrotechnic flares at an average burn time of 3 minutes each

Features and Benefits:

• Meets RTCM Standard 13200.0 for eVDSD’s
• EDF2 electronic boat flare and included Distress Flag, when carried together, qualify as a replacement for the carriage of USCG pyrotechnic flares (U.S.A. only)
• Bright light in all directions (360° visibility and luminous angle ≥ 180°)
• Automatically rights itself and floats when in the water (no buoyancy/flotation ring necessary)
• Visible over 8 miles
• User Replaceable 123 Lithium Batteries (x8 – Not Included)
• High intensity multi-color LED and infrared strobe maintains a minimum peak equivalent fixed intensity of 75 cd for 20 hours or greater (room temperature)
• Maximum Light Intensity > 170 cd
• Average Effective Light Intensity of 50 cd
• Operational life of 3 hours (at a minimum of 50 cd average effective light intensity) exceeds RTCM requirements by 50%
• Durable design: Tested to applicable environmental performance standards related to dry heat, damp heat, low temperature, thermal shock, drop, vibration, solar radiation, rain & spray, corrosion, and EMC (as per IEC 60945)
• Waterproof (IP67)
• Certified under USCG 161.013 as a Nighttime Visual Distress Signal
• Includes Distress Flag (Certified under USCG 160.072 as Daytime Visual Distress Signal), mounting bracket, and 1m lanyard (concealed beneath Velcro strap)

Benefits of EDF2 Electronic Boat Flare vs. Traditional Pyrotechnic Flares:

• No expiration date
• Family safe (no burning flame)
• Easy to operate (so even your kids and first-time boaters can operate it in the event of an emergency)
• No issues with the existing stringent mandatory disposal requirements for pyrotechnic flares (legally considered as hazardous materials)
• Waterproof and Buoyant
• One-time purchase (less cost over the life of the product)
• 2 distinct methods of distress signaling in one product – Multi-color LED strobe & Infrared LED Strobe
• Ability to extend operating life of the product in an emergency situation by replacing batteries

For information on additional essential marine safety products that augment your carriage of the EDF2, please see our blog on Strategies for a Safer Boating Season.