USCG Approved Electronic Flares FAQs

What can be used as a replacement for pyrotechnic flares on recreational boats?

The U.S. Coast Guard accepts electronic distress lights, like Sirius Signal SOS Distress Lights, as a night signal replacement for pyrotechnic flares. These devices use a flashing SOS pattern visible for miles and never expire, unlike traditional flares.

Keep in mind that electronic distress lights only cover nighttime distress signaling. Boaters still need a daytime visual signal, such as an orange distress flag or orange smoke, to meet full requirements.

Are electronic flares USCG approved?

Yes, several Sirius Signal models carry U.S. Coast Guard approval numbers. Each model is tested and certified as a night visual distress signal under 46 CFR 161.013:

• C-1003 (white SOS): 161.013/7/0
• C-1002 (two-color orange-red/cyan + infrared): 161.013/9/0
• C-1004 (white SOS + infrared): 161.013/11/0
• A-1001 (white SOS + infrared; Mini Solo also approved as a standalone light): listed as 161.013/11/0
• Mini Solo (white SOS + infrared): also listed as 161.013/11/0

These approval numbers confirm the device meets Coast Guard performance standards for nighttime distress signaling on recreational vessels.

Can electronic flares replace pyrotechnic boat flares?

Yes, for nighttime distress signaling, USCG-approved electronic distress lights can fully replace pyrotechnic flares on recreational vessels. They don’t expire, carry no fire risk, and can be used repeatedly rather than as a one-time signal.

The exact requirement depends on your boat’s length and where you’re boating. Vessels 16 feet and longer generally need both day and night signals, while boats under 16 feet operating on certain inland waters may have reduced requirements. Check your vessel class and waterway before assuming full replacement.

Do I still need a daytime distress flag if I carry an electronic distress light?

Yes. Electronic distress lights only satisfy the nighttime visual distress signal requirement. You still need a separate daytime signal, either an orange distress flag or orange smoke signal, to meet U.S. Coast Guard requirements.

Boaters carrying only an electronic light without a daytime signal are not fully equipped under federal rules. Pairing a USCG-approved electronic light with an orange flag is the most common way recreational boaters cover both day and night requirements without carrying pyrotechnics.

What are the USCG flare requirements for recreational boats?

Requirements depend on vessel length, type, and where you operate. Recreational vessels 16 feet and longer operating on coastal waters, the Great Lakes, or waters connected to the sea generally must carry both day and night visual distress signals at all times.

Boats under 16 feet, along with manually propelled boats, typically only need night signals when operating between sunset and sunrise. Acceptable options include pyrotechnic flares or a USCG-approved electronic distress light paired with an orange daytime flag or smoke signal. Always confirm current requirements for your specific vessel class before heading out.

Are Sirius Signal lights SOLAS approved?

No. Sirius Signal electronic distress lights are not approved under SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) standards. They’re certified for use on recreational vessels under U.S. Coast Guard requirements, not for commercial vessels or offshore operations that fall under SOLAS jurisdiction.

If you operate a vessel subject to SOLAS requirements, you’ll need pyrotechnic signals or other SOLAS-certified equipment, regardless of what’s accepted on recreational boats.

Can electronic flares be used in Canada?

Only one model currently qualifies. The Sirius Signal C-1002 is listed under Transport Canada’s Tier I Policy, effective November 9, 2021, as an accepted electronic replacement for a portion of Canada’s flare requirements.

Even with the C-1002 on board, Canadian boaters still need a smoke signal and a sound-signaling device to fully meet Transport Canada’s safety equipment rules. The C-1002 doesn’t replace every required item, so check the current Tier I Policy details before relying on it as your only distress signal.

Can electronic flares be used in Australia?

It depends on the state. The C-1002, C-1003, and C-1004 are accepted in Tasmania (MAST) and Western Australia (DoT) only. This is not a national replacement recognized by AMSA, so requirements vary significantly if you’re boating outside these two states.

Within Tasmania and Western Australia, rules also differ depending on the type of water you’re operating in, so check local requirements for your exact location. Note that starting September 1, 2026, parachute flares will no longer be accepted as required safety equipment in Western Australia, making electronic distress lights an increasingly practical option there.

Last updated: September 10, 2026.