A Modern Alternative to Traditional Marine Flares

The ACR ResQFlare PRO is an advanced Electronic Visual Distress Signal Device (eVDSD) designed to help make a vessel easier to locate during an emergency at sea.

Instead of relying on a short-burning pyrotechnic flare, the ResQFlare PRO uses high-output LEDs to repeatedly transmit the internationally recognised SOS distress pattern. This gives boat owners a reusable, easy-to-operate signalling device that can remain active for hours rather than minutes.

The unit is designed for serious marine use, combining visible red-orange and cyan LEDs with an infrared light source that can also be detected by rescuers using compatible night-vision equipment.

For recreational boaters, commercial operators and anyone building a more comprehensive onboard safety kit, the ResQFlare PRO provides a simple way to improve visual distress signalling without the flame, smoke, disposal requirements and short burn time associated with traditional pyrotechnic flares.

High-Visibility SOS Signalling

In an emergency, being seen is critical.

The ResQFlare PRO automatically flashes the International Morse Code sequence for S-O-S, using different coloured LEDs to make the pattern highly distinctive on the water.

The sequence consists of:

• three red-orange flashes for the first S
• three cyan flashes for the O
• three further red-orange flashes for the final S

At the same time, the infrared LED repeats the same SOS pattern, helping improve detection by Search and Rescue personnel using night-vision equipment.

The light provides 360° visibility, a luminous angle of at least 180° and a maximum intensity exceeding 170 candela. ACR rates the visual distance at more than 8 miles under appropriate conditions.

Designed to Keep Signalling for Longer

One of the biggest advantages of an electronic flare is operating time.

Traditional pyrotechnic flares may burn for only a few minutes. The ResQFlare PRO is designed to continue transmitting its distress sequence for a minimum of three hours at 50 candela average effective intensity. That operating time exceeds the applicable RTCM requirement by 50%.

The unit is powered by eight replaceable CR123 lithium batteries, allowing the batteries to be replaced rather than requiring the entire flare to be discarded.

For long-term ownership, that means you have a reusable signalling device rather than a single-use emergency product.

Built for Life on the Water

Emergency equipment needs to work in difficult conditions, not just when everything is dry and calm.

The ResQFlare PRO is IP67 waterproof and inherently buoyant. If dropped into the water, the unit is designed to float and automatically orient itself upright, without needing an additional flotation collar or ring.

ACR has also tested the unit against relevant environmental performance requirements covering:

• high and low temperatures
• thermal shock
• vibration
• drops and impact
• rain and spray
• corrosion
• solar radiation
• electromagnetic compatibility

That makes it well suited to storage aboard yachts, motorboats, RIBs and other vessels where safety equipment may be exposed to moisture, movement and changing weather conditions.

Day and Night Distress Signalling

The ResQFlare PRO is supplied with an orange daytime distress flag, providing a visual distress signal for use during daylight hours.

This gives you two complementary methods of attracting attention:

At night:
Use the ResQFlare PRO electronic distress light.

During daylight:
Display the supplied high-visibility distress flag.

In the United States, ACR states that the ResQFlare PRO and supplied distress flag, when carried together, meet the applicable U.S. Coast Guard requirements allowing them to be carried in place of traditional pyrotechnic flares. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, so users outside the U.S. should confirm the rules applicable to their vessel and operating area.

That last sentence is important for GTC because you're selling to a much wider audience than just U.S. boaters.

Why Choose an Electronic Boat Flare?

This is a section I’d definitely add because it answers the customer’s real question: why spend £238 on this instead of carrying ordinary flares?

Reusable

Unlike a pyrotechnic flare, the ResQFlare PRO can be used repeatedly provided the batteries and unit remain serviceable.

No Open Flame

The LED-based design produces no burning flame, making it easier and safer to handle in an emergency.

Long Operating Time

The device can continue transmitting its SOS pattern for hours rather than minutes.

Replaceable Batteries

The eight CR123 lithium batteries can be replaced by the user.

Waterproof and Buoyant

The unit is designed specifically for marine use and will float upright if dropped into the water.

No Pyrotechnic Disposal

Electronic signalling avoids the storage and disposal issues associated with expired pyrotechnic flares.

ACR itself highlights these points as major benefits over traditional pyrotechnic alternatives.