Electronic visual distress signals instead of pyrotechnic signals

New standard for electronic visual distress signals (eVDSD)

The Small Vessel Regulations were recently amended to provide people with the option to carry certain equipment instead of a portion of the pyrotechnic signals (flares) required onboard their pleasure craft. 

The number of flares required may be reduced by 50 percent if the boat has one of the following:

  •  A means of two-way radio communication, such as VHF marine radio, satellite telephone or cellular telephone (provided they are in a coverage area)
  • A personal locator beacon (PLB) worn by the operator
  • An electronic position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB)

These replaced a portion of the pyrotechnic visual signals required onboard pleasure craft. 

During a consultation leading to these regulatory changes, people asked us to accept electric signal lights as an alternative to pyrotechnics. At that time, there were no standards for electric visual signals that addressed the current technology. Therefore, we could not consider including these signals in the amendments.

But since then, the Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services (RTCM) in Arlington, Virginia has published a new industry standard for this equipment using data from research done by the United States Coast Guard (USCG).

That is why, in collaboration with our search and rescue partners, Transport Canada is:

  • reviewing this standard
  • considering equipment that meets the requirements as an alternative to pyrotechnic signals on pleasure craft in Canada.

New technologies are bringing advances in distress alerts. They are improving how we locate and help people in distress on the water.

In Canada, current regulations require all pleasure craft over 6 metres to carry at least some pyrotechnics. In response to stakeholder's concerns about this and recognizing new technologies and changes in search and rescue, we are consulting Canadians on whether people should be allowed to carry eVDSD on recreational vessels.

More information

  • Most Canadian pleasure craft over 6 metres are currently required to carry some pyrotechnics.
  • Recent changes to the Small Vessel Regulations:   
    • reduced the pyrotechnic requirement by 50% on vessels equipped with 2-way radio communication, a PLB or an EPIRB
    • increased the percentage of smoke signals people may carry as part of the total requirement
  • The regulations now require some handheld, rocket or multi-star flares meeting SOLAS or Canadian requirements.
  • An industry standard for electronic visual distress signals was published in the summer of 2018 by the Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services (RTCM) in Arlington, Virginia .
  • The performance requirements are based on research done by the United States Coast Guard, evaluating various light sources during nighttime testing. Research into daytime effectiveness is now being carried out by the USCG.
  • The draft standard was reviewed by Canadian and United States search and rescue resources.
  • The standard addresses concerns related to visibility of certain LEDs to night-vision equipment.
  • The standard does not include laser technology.
  • The new distress signal technology:
    • displays a visible, two-color, flashing signal, plus a near-infrared component for detection by night-vision goggles
    • has an operating temperature range of -1°C to +30°C, and a storage temperature range of -20°C to +55°C
    • emits a 2-colour SOS signal, with the sequential repeating color/flash pattern: “S” as 3 red-orange flashes, followed by “O” as 3 cyan flashes, followed by “S” as 3 red-orange flashes
    • has a near infrared signal that flashes the same SOS signal in sync with the visible light signal for detection by night vision equipment
    • has an average effective intensity of at least 50 candela for at least 2 hours

Please email your comments to marinesafety-securitemaritime@tc.gc.ca.