ACR introduces ResQFlare and distress flag as USCG-certified alternative to pyrotechnic flares

by Mikele D'Arcangelo 30 Sep 2020 10:53 BST

ResQFlare © ACR Electronics

Ideal for US recreational boaters looking for a safe, convenient and cost-effective electronic device to replace traditional pyrotechnic flares, ACR Electronics is introducing its new ResQFlare™ package.

The high intensity LED electronic distress flare and accompanying Distress Flag provide a complete distress signalling solution that is certified to meet USCG requirements as a reliable and highly efficient alternative to onboard pyrotechnic flares. The ResQFlare and Flag are individually classified as approved Visual Distress Signals for night and day, respectively, ensuring recreational boaters in US waters are fully equipped to attract the attention of rescue personnel in an emergency.

Significantly enhancing the chance of survival and rescue by emitting the flash characteristic for the International Morse Code for S-O-S, the waterproof and buoyant ACR ResQFlare automatically rights itself in the water, providing 360° visibility for over six miles. The distress flare's high efficiency electronics ensure a substantial operational life, with the LED strobe maintaining 75 cd peak equivalent fixed intensity for over 20 hours, which is more than three times longer than USCG requirements. Compact, lightweight and easy to operate, the ResQFlare features a durable design and a user replaceable battery power source, ensuring it is a one-time purchase that will provide many years of service.

The supplied ACR Distress Flag, included in the package with every ResQFlare, offers numerous daylight signalling options. Displayed with the black square over the black circle, the flag can be flown on the mast or highest possible point, displayed by hand or waved on a boat hook, paddle, or fishing rod. It can also be laid flat on the deck to attract aircraft.

Mikele D'Arcangelo, Vice President of Global Marketing & Product Management, said: "We have added the ResQFlare and Distress Flag to ACR's line of boating safety gear, specifically to answer the needs of US boaters on vessels up to 65ft who want a certified and effective distress signalling solution that is a one-time purchase and completely safe to carry onboard and operate in an emergency. An approved solution for both day and night time when carried together, the package ensures boaters do not have to remember to check the expiry dates of pyrotechnic flares, or worry about carrying hazardous materials onboard, or deal with the stringent mandatory disposal requirements. When paired with an ACR EPIRB or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), USCG rescue personnel not only know where you are within minutes, but also have a visual reference light to home in on from up to six miles away."

The ACR Electronics ResQFlare is certified under USCG 161.013 as a Night-time Visual Distress Signal, while the Distress Flag is certified under USCG 160.072 as a Daytime Visual Distress Signal. Carriage of the ResQFlare and Distress Flag together allows boaters to forego the requirement for traditional pyrotechnic flares when on vessels up to 65ft in length, boating on the Great Lakes, within 12 miles of US waters, or on any body of water with a passageway to the sea at least two miles wide. Vessels less than 16ft are not required to carry a Day Visual Distress Signal, but must still carry a Night Visual Distress Signal, making the ResQFlare a viable alternative to pyrotechnic flares for smaller boats.

The ResQFlare package can be purchased for $79.95. For boaters looking to equip their vessels with the best survival equipment in one complete kit, ACR Electronics has included the ResQFlare and Daytime Distress Flag in two new GlobalFix V4 EPIRB Safety Kits.

Priced at $849.95, the ResQ-Kit Pro EPIRB and PLB safety kit includes: