This from Marine and Safety Tasmania. Looks like EVDS will be allowed here soon, as an option.

Electronic Visual Distress Signals

Exciting modern technology developed as an option to replace 2 x orange and 2 x red handheld pyrotechnic flares will be introduced shortly. An Electronic Visual Distress Signal is a signalling device that is handheld and non-toxic to the user. EVDS are used in the USA and those approved by the US Coast Guard must meet general performance requirements:

(1) Emit a white light that meets certain intensity requirements;
(2) Be capable of automatic signalling S-O-S for at least 3-5 times per minute for 6 hours;
(3) Contain an independent power source - batteries;
(4) Float in freshwater with the lens surface at or above the surface of the water;
(5) Be equipped with a waterproof switch; and
(6) Float for at least 72 hours followed by submersion in 5% by weight sodium chloride solution for at least 2 hours.

An EVDS is not a torch. The trusty old Dolphin won't meet the specifications required.

Products approved by MAST will be uploaded to the MAST website shortly and these will meet the above requirements. There is only one Standard available worldwide which is the RTCM 13200.00 which was developed by the Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services. MAST acknowledges the assistance given by Mr. Ed Wendlandt President of this organisation and the late Martin (Marty) L Jackson, Staff Engineer from U.S. Coast Guard (CG-ENG-4) for the support and guidance provided to MAST on the use of these devices.

An Australian Standard will be developed, with work commencing in the coming months. It must be remembered that EVDS will not be compulsory once new legislation is in place, but rather an option to replace the 4 x handheld flares currently required in sheltered waters and offshore. If boat owners elect to carry these devices in sheltered waters, then the legislation will require them to also carry a GPS-enabled EPIRB registered with AMSA and a VHF radio. Both of these must be in an operable condition. In coastal waters, the EVDS can be carried in lieu of the 4 x handheld flares and the parachute flares must still be carried.

In sheltered waters, MAST considers that an EVDS, EPIRB and VHF radio will give people in distress a better chance of rescue as opposed to relying just on 4 hand flares as is currently required. The EPIRB and VHF give you an opportunity to get the message out that you are in distress. With pyrotechnic flares you are relying on someone seeing you, remembering they only last for a minute. In addition, before you leave the land you can check if your EVDS is working by simply turning it on. You cannot test a flare! MAST is aiming for the legislation to be introduced in July of this year.

It's an obvious development and a positive one. Pyrotechnics have a few draw backs, not many folks are trained or bother to learn correct procedures to fire them, the stingy little grip they give you to hold onto is a nasty caper without leather gloves, they definitely don't go out in water so when you drop it in your raft or boat for that matter ......
not to mention the excitement they would add to an onboard fire or the fact out of date no one wants them. I tried to give a bunch of old flares to the local BSO he wasn't interested ! On the upside he gives me a wide berth these days

Hopefully others takes will follow toot suite.

Do EVDS have a life span eg replace every three years?

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Madmouse said..
Hopefully others takes will follow toot suite.

Do EVDS have a life span eg replace every three years?

Hell yes. This will be another money making business similar to the Epirb. Once sales slow there will be a slight change in the regulations so we buy again!

Like we do with pyros

We need both flares and EVDS I reckon. The altitude a flare gets to increases their visibility range a lot. And while it's true the flare is short lived you usually only fire them once a search and rescue is nearby not at random. Sea level distress beacons have their limits. What about an EVDS drone

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Ramona said..

Madmouse said..
Hopefully others takes will follow toot suite.

Do EVDS have a life span eg replace every three years?

Hell yes. This will be another money making business similar to the Epirb. Once sales slow there will be a slight change in the regulations so we buy again!

Not aware of the EPIRB change, details?

Surely it would be a matter of replacing battery, maybe local boating supply store/safety supplier could conduct test similar to PFD service rather than purchase replacement

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D3 said..

Ramona said..

Not aware of the EPIRB change, details?

Surely it would be a matter of replacing battery, maybe local boating supply store/safety supplier could conduct test similar to PFD service rather than purchase replacement

There has been 3 major changes to EPIRBs that necessitated operators to purchase new again while I was a professional fisherman. The current model has been in service for some time now.