Safety Leaders Highlight Need for Industry Transition to Electronic Flares at SMM

ACR Electronics and Ocean Signal have teamed up at SMM 2026 to promote electronic flares as the future of distress signalling in the maritime industry. The companies are showcasing their compliant ResQFlare PRO and rescueME EDF2 Flare, which are safer, longer-lasting, and more eco-friendly alternatives to traditional pyrotechnic flares.

While pyrotechnic flares are still mandatory for cargo and passenger vessels under IMO conventions and many commercial vessels under national regulations, the industry is moving towards electronic flares, with the US Coast Guard already replacing pyrotechnic flares with eVDSDs on its cutters from 2026. ACR and Ocean Signal are advocating for an international standard for eVDSDs to facilitate the global transition.

These electronic flares are compact, waterproof, rugged, and can operate continuously for hours, unlike pyrotechnic flares that burn for only 30 seconds to 3 minutes. They can be tested safely, reused, and charged or fitted with new batteries, and they do not expire, produce toxic waste, or risk damaging a liferaft or injuring the user or other crew members.

At their stand B6.353, ACR Electronics and Ocean Signal will exhibit their GMDSS suite of safety products, including VHF Handheld Survival Radios, AIS SARTs, and EPIRBs, as well as the ResQLink PLB and PLB3.