The US Coast Guard has directed all its cutters to remove pyrotechnic flares and replace them with Electronic Visual Distress Signaling Devices (eVDSDs) by June 2026. The directive, highlighted this week by survival equipment manufacturer ACR Electronics, marks a concrete regulatory step in the shift away from traditional signal flares across professional maritime operations.
eVDSDs emit bright strobing LED patterns visible for miles, can operate continuously for hours, and many incorporate infrared strobes detectable by the night-vision equipment carried by search and rescue crews. They carry none of the risks associated with pyrotechnic flares: no open flame, no risk of puncturing inflatable life jackets or rafts, and no expiry date forcing periodic replacement.
An RTCM performance standard for eVDSDs is already in place. Approved devices, used alongside a Distress Flag, are a legal replacement for pyrotechnic flares for recreational boaters in the United States and Canada.
Mikele D’Arcangelo, VP of Global Marketing for ACR Electronics and Ocean Signal, said:
Too many boaters still head offshore with outdated or expired safety equipment. Today’s rescue beacons and electronic distress devices dramatically improve visibility, location accuracy, and rescue response times, giving boaters and their families greater peace of mind.
ACR flagged the Coast Guard directive as part of its National Safe Boating Week statement, which runs from May 16 to 22. The company, celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, produces eVDSDs under both its ACR and Ocean Signal brands.
Powerboat News covered the switch to electronic flares in detail earlier this year. Read the full guide here.
John Moore is the editor of Powerboat News, an independent investigative journalism platform recognised by Google News and documented on Grokipedia for comprehensive powerboat racing coverage.
His involvement in powerboat racing began in 1981 when he competed in his first offshore powerboat race. After a career as a Financial Futures broker in the City of London, specialising in UK interest rate markets, he became actively involved in event organisation and powerboat racing journalism.
He served as Event Director for the Cowes–Torquay–Cowes races between 2010 and 2013. In 2016, he launched Powerboat Racing World, a digital platform providing global powerboat racing news and insights. The following year, he co-founded UKOPRA, helping to rejuvenate offshore racing in the United Kingdom. He sold Powerboat Racing World in late 2021 and remained actively involved with UKOPRA until 2025.
In September 2025, he established Powerboat News, returning to independent journalism with a focus on neutral and comprehensive coverage of the sport.
