Electronic Distress Signal 46 CFR 161.013 Approved. Do they exist! I cannot find one!

[Don S]

Re: Electronic Distress Signal 46 CFR 161.013 Approved. Do they exist! I cannot find

See attached. It spells it out pretty specifically. And no a strobing beacon will not do the trick and it must specifically have the approvals I mentioned above. See the attached doc. This is the only thing that will work as a night time signaling device that is not pyrotechnic. The problem still remains. Where does one exist?

Where did you find that you need to carry (or anyone for that matter) a light that fits that spec. in a private recreational boat?

Here is a link that shows acceptable distress signals http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=navRulesContent#37 in federal waters, and if you scroll down you see that a strobe is acceptable on inland waterways as well. Nothing about this SOS light you are wanting so badly.
The only one so far that you or anyone else has found is no longer made, wonder why that is??????????

I think you are now looking for something that no longer exists, isn't required on a 15 ft boat to begin with, and just an exercise in futility on your part.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Electronic Distress Signal 46 CFR 161.013 Approved. Do they exist! I cannot find

Just read that document I attached. I need a device that meets those requirements. That is the actual rules for the device and spells out the specs right down to CD, degrees, timing of the SOS, what sticker must be on it, etc. It is very explicit.

If it were true that you needed it - there would be a stack of them at your local marine dealer, right next to the lifejackets and fire extinguishers.

 

[jevs]

Re: Electronic Distress Signal 46 CFR 161.013 Approved. Do they exist! I cannot find

Boy, this is a thick crowd lol. I dont NEEED it. It is an option to pyrotechnic devices such as a flare gun. If you dont want pyrotechnics on your boat and you want to use it at night in USCG regulated waters on a 16' recreation boat. YOU NEED IT! Otherwise you can just carry the flamethrowers of the olden days before LED's.

 

[Don S]

Re: Electronic Distress Signal 46 CFR 161.013 Approved. Do they exist! I cannot find

Talk about thick ............... as you have noticed, no one makes them anymore.

It's not NEEDED, as there are newer options, and you have yet to show anyone where you see that it is NEEDED

 

[jevs]

Re: Electronic Distress Signal 46 CFR 161.013 Approved. Do they exist! I cannot find

Where did you find that you need to carry (or anyone for that matter) a light that fits that spec. in a private recreational boat?

Here is a link that shows acceptable distress signals http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=navRulesContent#37 in federal waters, and if you scroll down you see that a strobe is acceptable on inland waterways as well. Nothing about this SOS light you are wanting so badly.
The only one so far that you or anyone else has found is no longer made, wonder why that is??????????

I think you are now looking for something that no longer exists, isn't required on a 15 ft boat to begin with, and just an exercise in futility on your part.

My boat says 1650 on the side of it as in 16' X 50". So even though my boat is really 15'9" I want to follow the 16' rules. Besides that under 16' is still the same as far as the night time signalling is concerned. The only difference is a 16'+ boat needs a throwable floatation device on top of the under 16' rules.

Also, I believe these are fairly new rules. Some people need to read up and forget what they learned 20 years ago when they got their first boat. I provided the document in pretty plain english that spells out the specs. There is even articles talking about this out there. I jsut cont find anything that completely replies. There are tons of lights that flash SOS, but none seem to have the specific approval sticker.

 

[jevs]

Re: Electronic Distress Signal 46 CFR 161.013 Approved. Do they exist! I cannot find

Talk about thick ............... as you have noticed, no one makes them anymore.

It's not NEEDED, as there are newer options, and you have yet to show anyone where you see that it is NEEDED

Like I said it is not needed. It is an option as your night time visual distress signal. It is listed in many places. The problem is that when you really start reading as to what constitues the "Electronic Visual Distress Signal", it brings you to the rules I posted above. Nothing meets that, that I can find. There is nothing newer. This would be the newest allowance that no one seems to know about. They added this for the modern world for people like me that do not want explosives on the boat that are only good for 3 years (flare gun etc.)

 

[jevs]

Re: Electronic Distress Signal 46 CFR 161.013 Approved. Do they exist! I cannot find

Here if you want to read about them http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg5214/vds.asp#nonpyro

look in the little section called Non-pyrotechnic devices. There are only two options in the world. A flag for daytime and an SOS light for night time. Then when you keep digging and reading for awhile you will find the sheet I posted above on what constitutes this device.

I am not sure I can be any clearer than the USCG website. I found it in all kinds of other boating guides as well......I did not make this up for fun


ELECTRIC S-O-S DISTRESS LIGHT

APPROVAL CATEGORY: 161.013

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: This is an alternative to flares for recreational boats. It is required to automatically flash S-O-S. Light intensity and duration requirements apply. Electric S-O-S distress lights are self-certified by the manufacturer. The Coast Guard does not issue approvals or keep an authenticated list of manufacturers. Approval standards for these lights are found in Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Subpart 161.013.

 

[Jlawsen]

Re: Electronic Distress Signal 46 CFR 161.013 Approved. Do they exist! I cannot find

Hey Don, the op is not wrong, the Fed regs say if you don't carry pyro's then you have to carry a flashlight device that flashes SOS. They show a pic in the regs that looks like a 6v lantern. I got my strobes at West Marine. They go off when they hit the water and flash ...---... Come to think of it though, I haven't seen them in there for a while. I also carry a pyro kit. I carry everything in a "Ditch Bag". under the passenger seat. You have to remember that in order to be in compliance everything has to be "Readily Accessible".

Oh and for everyone else here that is speaking out on safety items and doing so without having performed the necessary research, shame on you.

 

[Don S]

Re: Electronic Distress Signal 46 CFR 161.013 Approved. Do they exist! I cannot find

http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=navRulesContent#37

 

[jevs]

Re: Electronic Distress Signal 46 CFR 161.013 Approved. Do they exist! I cannot find

Hey Don, the op is not wrong, the Fed regs say if you don't carry pyro's then you have to carry a flashlight device that flashes SOS. They show a pic in the regs that looks like a 6v lantern. I got my strobes at West Marine. They go off when they hit the water and flash ...---... Come to think of it though, I haven't seen them in there for a while. I also carry a pyro kit. I carry everything in a "Ditch Bag". under the passenger seat. You have to remember that in order to be in compliance everything has to be "Readily Accessible".

Oh and for everyone else here that is speaking out on safety items and doing so without having performed the necessary research, shame on you.

Thanks for the backup Believe my I went through this same thing talking to my friends that have boats. I have found many lights that do the SOS and stuff, but none of them have those official markings and approvals that are said they need to have in that document. I am sure you could carry some SOS light, but technically and they would have to be real sticklers, they could reject it as being satisfactory if it does not meet all those specs which includes the 46 CFR 161.013 sticker.
(b) Each electric light must be legibly
and indelibly marked with:
(1) Manufacturer’s name;
(2) Replacement battery type;
(3) Lamp size; and
(4) The following words—
‘‘Night Visual Distress Signal for
Boats Complies with U. S. Coast Guard
Requirements in 46 CFR 161.013. For
Emergency Use Only.’’

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Electronic Distress Signal 46 CFR 161.013 Approved. Do they exist! I cannot find

Then I don't know exactly what the OP is looking for....some kind of floating laser light/beam?

Epirbs are for when the boat sinks and you need rescued.It's a tracking device/locator It works off of a satellite. Night time signaling devices are just tha a signaling device to send a signal to another boat for help. The op is looking for what used to be available for a night light signaling device.They now need to be a automatic S.O.S signal sent when turned on. There are none that i could find that were Coast Guard Approved.Not saying there isn't any, just not approved.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Electronic Distress Signal 46 CFR 161.013 Approved. Do they exist! I cannot find

Here:
http://www.life-raft.com/9737/47979/Rescue--Signaling-Products/ACR-DistresSOS.html
http://www.life-raft.com/9737/47926/Rescue--Signaling-Products/ACR-Firefly3.html
Have fun!

 

[dingbat]

Re: Electronic Distress Signal 46 CFR 161.013 Approved. Do they exist! I cannot find

Chapter 161 does not apply to recreational boats.

Only these sub-headinga apply to recreational boater

PART A ? GENERAL PROVISIONS

Chapter 21 ? General
Chapter 23 ? Operation of Vessels Generally

PART B ? INSPECTION AND REGULATION OF VESSELS

Chapter 41 ? Uninspected Vessels Generally
Chapter 43 ? Recreational Vessels

PART D ? MARINE CASUALTIES

Chapter 61 ? Reporting Marine Casualties
Chapter 63 ? Investigating Marine Casualties

PART H ? IDENTIFICATION OF VESSELS

Chapter 121 ? Documentation of Vessels
Chapter 123 ? Numbering Undocumented Vessels
Chapter 125 ? Vessel Identification System

PART I ? STATE BOATING SAFETY PROGRAMS

Chapter 131 ? Recreational boating safety

PART J ? MEASUREMENT OF VESSELS

Chapter 141 ? General
Chapter 143 ? Convention measurement
Chapter 145 ? Regulatory measurement
Chapter 147 - Penalties

 

[jevs]

Re: Electronic Distress Signal 46 CFR 161.013 Approved. Do they exist! I cannot find

Here:
http://www.life-raft.com/9737/47979/Rescue--Signaling-Products/ACR-DistresSOS.html
http://www.life-raft.com/9737/47926/Rescue--Signaling-Products/ACR-Firefly3.html
Have fun!

First one is discontinued (found that on on my first search looking for these a couple weeks ago)
Second one is not even close to qualifying.

Also, I called ACR a few days ago and they have nothing that qualifies.

 

[jevs]

Re: Electronic Distress Signal 46 CFR 161.013 Approved. Do they exist! I cannot find

Chapter 161 does not apply to recreational boats.

Only these sub-headinga apply to recreational boater

PART A – GENERAL PROVISIONS

Chapter 21 – General
Chapter 23 – Operation of Vessels Generally

PART B – INSPECTION AND REGULATION OF VESSELS

Chapter 41 – Uninspected Vessels Generally
Chapter 43 – Recreational Vessels

PART D – MARINE CASUALTIES

Chapter 61 – Reporting Marine Casualties
Chapter 63 – Investigating Marine Casualties

PART H – IDENTIFICATION OF VESSELS

Chapter 121 – Documentation of Vessels
Chapter 123 – Numbering Undocumented Vessels
Chapter 125 – Vessel Identification System

PART I – STATE BOATING SAFETY PROGRAMS

Chapter 131 – Recreational boating safety

PART J – MEASUREMENT OF VESSELS

Chapter 141 – General
Chapter 143 – Convention measurement
Chapter 145 – Regulatory measurement
Chapter 147 - Penalties

I don't beleive this is a true statement. See post #27 where it specifically states that this is for Recreational Boats and the official code that I posted above.

So far people keep trying to run this in circles (I guess because they can't find one in google in 20 seconds or less LOL).

Let's just pretend for the sake of sticking to the reason I posted this in the first place....

I know I need the light. You can do nothing to stop me from looking for it. I want the light. I will die without the light! My boat won't float unless I have this light. Maybe the light is only applicable to battleships, but I have got to have it anyway! I am operating my 16' jet boat in the atlantic ocean pulling skiers, shrimping, and giving shark fishing lessons at night........

Now what? Where is this light?

Hope you guys realize I am joking. But, seriously where is this light that the code was written for? If you don't want one and prefer flare guns, that is fine with me, but I would like one of these lights. Even if I don't need it, lets just pretend I actually want something for safety reasons if something goes wrong at night.

 

[Jlawsen]

Re: Electronic Distress Signal 46 CFR 161.013 Approved. Do they exist! I cannot find

This thread is darn good example of how buearacracy has done every possible thing it can to keep us from ever using our long term health care and drawing social security.

After going through all the different laws and regs I feel like just saying to heck with it. I'll get what I think I need and hope I don't die because no one is looking for me. I mean seriously if you hit your AIS button on your VHF radio and junp over with a flashing strobe light do you really think the USCG is going to pass you by because your not sending an SOS... Seriously...

Flip that coin over and then you have to sweat the launch ramp or a boarding for fear you don't have the correct flash light. O.K. have you ever been boarded... If it's not a blatant and serious violation you get an inspection report with recommendations. That's it, nothing more. About the only time they'll make you follow them in is if you don't have PFD's. I think we can all get that part right.

The OP is a little anal about this but its his choice to be correct and all he asked was if anybody new where he could get the light. Not an arugment about the laws and regs which is obviously a very confusing subject.

I'm not sure if the still do it but you used to be able to go through a voluntary inspection and get stickers put on your stuff that said USCG approved. I know you can schedule a voluntary inspection but I'm not sure about the stickers.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Electronic Distress Signal 46 CFR 161.013 Approved. Do they exist! I cannot find

Jevs,
Now I want one too!
You are correct, they are nowhere to be found.
I suspect they may be part of commercial lifeboats but who knows?

If you know the ACR Model number, save a search on eBay and if one ever comes up they will send you an Email.


Edit:

I think I found One! Here!

 

[southkogs]

Re: Electronic Distress Signal 46 CFR 161.013 Approved. Do they exist! I cannot find

Think THIS might be one too.

 

[jevs]

Re: Electronic Distress Signal 46 CFR 161.013 Approved. Do they exist! I cannot find

Think THIS might be one too.

I sent Jim Buoy an email about this one, but I am doubting it meats the requirements of 46 CFR 161.013. I also asked them if they do have anything that meets these requirements. I will let you know when I get a response and what it is.

This one linked to is actually a "man overboard" light according to their website.

 

[jevs]

Re: Electronic Distress Signal 46 CFR 161.013 Approved. Do they exist! I cannot find

Jevs,
Now I want one too!
You are correct, they are nowhere to be found.
I suspect they may be part of commercial lifeboats but who knows?

If you know the ACR Model number, save a search on eBay and if one ever comes up they will send you an Email.


Edit:

I think I found One! Here!

This is the same obsolete one people keep finding the ACR 1842. You might find one on eBay as you said (none on there currently). But maybe it had some problems and that is why they obsoleted it? It would be nice to find something that you can just buy and is current.