Rescue Strobe Lights & Boat Distress Signals

Rescue Strobe Lights and Boat Distress Signals Resources and Information 

Rescue strobe lights alert other boaters and rescue parties to your location in emergency situations. PartsVu features water-activated lights, life jacket light sticks, and devices like the ACR FireFly PRO Waterbug SOLAS to give you some reassurance when out on the water. We stock boat safety accessories from some of the most trusted boating product suppliers, like Seachoice, Orion Safety, ACR Electronics, Davis Instruments, 3M, Ocean Signal, and others. 

Looking for more boating and marine products? Check out our complete selection of Products and Accessories or shop our broader categories of Boating Accessories and Boating Safety Equipment and Boat Safety Equipment, Lifejackets, & Personal Floatation Devices. 

Rescue Strobe Lights and Boat Distress Signals FAQs

What is an SOS electric distress light?

An SOS electric distress light is an LED visual distress signal device that meets US Coast Guard requirements and completely replaces traditional pyrotechnic flares. Electronic flares never expire (pyrotechnic flares must be less than 42 months old) and also solve flare disposal problems. Also, an LED electric distress light flashes for up to 60 hours, whereas traditional flares last minutes or less. These lights flash only the SOS sequence, per USCG requirements, and are visible up to 10 nautical miles.

What makes the Firefly PRO WATERBUG so unique?

The all-new Firefly PRO Waterbug is a SOLAS-approved strobe light with a built-in water activation feature that will automatically activate once submerged. With 4 activation functions, toggle between the armed mode for automatic water activation, ultra-bright strobe light or the SOS strobe to visually alert Search and Rescue of your location, then toggle to the Steady-On feature for close up recovery operations.

Our cool white light has no yellow tinting which allows for a more visible light beam that can be seen at greater distances. The innovative new wide light emission LEDs produce a 360° beam of light (41 candelas) allowing for visibility of over 3 miles. With an energy-efficient microprocessor and redesigned electronics, the Firefly PRO boasts maximum operation life in the harshest of conditions. With a single set of AA alkaline batteries, the Firefly PRO will continuously strobe for over 56 hours or use the Steady-On feature for 28 hours. That is twice as long as our competitors and exceeds USCG and SOLAS requirements by over 48 hours.

The new compact size will easily fit inside an inflatable life jacket or pocket for comfortable wear-ability. The military spec casing is rugged enough to withstand years of abuse and the harshest environments. The two lashing loops and included Velcro strap make mounting the Firefly PRO to your life jacket, belt or pack extremely easy so that the strobe light can be readily accessible the moment you need it.

How do I select a personal locator beacon?

Now that we’ve covered the basics, you may ask, “What is the best personal locator beacon?” Of course, the answer to this question comes down to your budget and what additional features you may want, such as GPS or GNSS capabilities to allow rescuers to more accurately pinpoint your location. While there are a variety of PLBs available, here are a few we recommend— each with additional GPS capabilities to ensure that rescuers can reach you quickly if needed.

The ResQLink 400 by ACR Electronics

The ResQLink 400 by ACR Electronics features a strobe and infrared strobe light, allowing rescuers to quickly identify your location once they’re in the vicinity. This buoyant, lightweight device features GPS and Galileo GNSS, allowing rescuers to pinpoint your location within 100 meters or less of your location. Multifunction clips allow it to be wore multiple ways.

The ResQLink 425 by ACR Electronics

The ResQLink 425 has all the benefits of the 400, with a few added features. The 425 features an OLED digital display for a more user-friendly experience. In addition, the operational life of the battery, once activated, is an estimated 28 hours rather than the 24 hours provided by the 400.

The FastFind 220 by McMurdo

The FastFind 220 by McMurdo is the world’s first Galileo PLB, meaning that it has advanced location accuracy through the use of both GPS and Galileo GNSS signaling. This palm-sized unit features self-testing of all capabilities and includes a buoyancy pouch, lanyard, and standard pouch.

The FastFind 220 is guaranteed waterproof up to 30 meters. It also features an LED light, giving you added peace of mind.

What are some more necessary boating safety accessories? 

The best life jacket is the one you will wear, but adults are not required to wear their life jackets at all times. This said, \a US Coast Guard-approved life jacket is required on board for each person. Lifejacket regulations for children may vary by state; however, in states with no children’s life jacket law, a US Coast Guard interim rule requires children under 13 on moving boats to wear a well-fitting US Coast Guard-approved life jacket. For information on how to properly fit a kid’s life jacket, check out our detailed blog here.

Lifejackets must be:

• The appropriate size for the intended user,
• Suitable for the intended activity,
• In good and serviceable condition, and
• US Coast Guard approved to meet carriage requirements.

Additionally, you must have a throwable (a square cushion, also called a Type 4 PFD) onboard if the boat is over 16 feet. A PFD like a ring buoy also meets this requirement.

Finally, for those who like to bring their dog along for the adventure: we recommend suiting up your pup as well. Dog life jackets aren’t a USCG requirement, but they are recommended— especially for certain breeds, such as greyhounds, whippets, dobermans, bulldogs, and many more. Learn about how to choose the best dog life jacket here.

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguisher requirements will depend on the age of the vessel, its size, and whether or not a fire extinguishing system is in place.

For Boats 2018 & Newer:

For powerboats less than 26′, you need a minimum of one 5-B or 20-B rated fire extinguishers that are date stamped. Vessels between 26′ – 40′ require two of these. This applies to boats without an existing fire extinguishing system.

If your boat has a fire extinguishing system built-in, you may reduce the requirement by one unit. So, in this case, a powerboat with a fire extinguishing system that measures less than 26′ would need no additional fire extinguishers, while boats measuring 26′ – 40′ would require only one.

For Boats Made between 1953 – 2017:

For powerboats less than 26′, you need at least one B-1 fire extinguisher (a 5-pound fire extinguisher) on board. Boats 26′ – 40′ must carry a minimum of two B-1 fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers have expiration dates, so boaters need to be mindful of that. This rule applies to boats without an existing fire extinguishing system.

If your boat has a fire extinguishing system built-in, you may again reduce the requirement by one unit. So, in this case, a powerboat with a fire extinguishing system that measures less than 26′ would need no additional fire extinguishers, while boats measuring 26′ – 40′ would require only one.

Visual Distress Signals

Visual distress signals are designed to assure that boaters have a way of attracting attention, securing assistance, and finding a boat in need of help more quickly.

Electric or Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signaling Devices

Must be Coast Guard approved, in serviceable condition, and stowed to be readily accessible. If they are marked with a date showing the serviceable life, this date must not have passed. Launchers produced before Jan. 1, 1981, intended for use with approved signals are not required to be Coast Guard Approved.

USCG Approved Pyrotechnic and Electric Visual Distress Signals and Associated Devices include:

• Pyrotechnic red flares, handheld or aerial
• Pyrotechnic orange smoke, handheld or floating
• Launchers for aerial red meteors or parachute flares
• Electric distress light (night use only)