Re: Electronic Distress Signal 46 CFR 161.013 Approved. Do they exist! I cannot find
Have you spoken with your local power squadron to see if there is something they can recommend? How about a marine sheriff's unit? Either should be able to direct you to what you need. They may even offer a free safety check so they can tell you what you need to be carrying to be legal on the waters you boat on.
**Here in Western NY, the Sheriff's unit and local power squadrons offer free vessel checks to make sure you're in compliance.
Now flame me if you want but why are you so against flares? I've carried hand helds for years without any issues. I store them in the boat at all times and they are readily accessible should the need ever arise (hopefully not). To light one of these flares off you have to pop the red cap off the flare, pop the black cap off the red cap you just removed, and then strike the flare on the end of the red cap with the "grit" on it. A 3 step process to light them off. Hold them over the water when lit and you're golden. When they expire, use them to light campfires as they'll burn for a good 2 minutes.
Only way I've seen these go off on their own is if they are introduced to an open flame for an extended period of time - such as a boat burning. And if that's happening, you have bigger issues going on than a flare going off on its own.
