Electronic and laser flares

[SeaHusky]

I have some outdated flares from my kayaking trips and need to get the appropriate safety equipment for my boat.
I have had a quick look around and found that electronics and especially laser are a growing market and at first glance this seems to be a good alternative to pyrotechnics. Cheaper, non expiring and possibly better performance.
I find lasers especially interesting as they are visible at a long range and work for hours instead of minutes/seconds.
Green lasers have even greater range than red but firstly red is the natural distress colour and more importantly, if a SAR helicopter crew are flashed with a green laser they are to abort their mission immediately and return to base where they are grounded until they have had an eye exam.
Does anyone have any knowledge or better yet experience  and what is your opinion on this subject?

[Tim]

Interesting, but I know nothing about lasers, but I do remember having to go back into the palapa for another margarita after seeing a green flash at sunset. ;D 8)

[CharlieJ]

except that "in date" flares are a requirement for Coast Guard inspections. So get some new ones

[SeaHusky]

except that "in date" flares are a requirement for Coast Guard inspections. So get some new ones

Good Point although that depends on which country you are in.
But even with in date flares, a reoccurring theme of many accounts of people in liferafts seems to be firing flare after flare at a passing ship without being spotted and rather quickly running out of flares.
Having an electronic device in the grab bag with several hours of battery life seems a good addition.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRrnjC6rDw8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t47hFJBsMZA

[Tim]

After viewing the Youtube, I am intrigued as it does seem to be a better way to go.

Unfortunately at this point one would still have to carry flares to meet CG regulations

Is the Odeo Flare accepted under SOLAS regulations as an alternative to the hand held flare? Not yet. However, the Odeo Flare makes a recognised distress signal as described in Annex 4 to the International Rules For The Prevention Of collisions At Sea (Colregs). Until SOLAS rules are change, coded and commercial vessels must still carry pyrotechnic flares.

Fairly pricey at $185 here in the states, but bound to come down if accepted and distributed widely.

[SeaHusky]

Here is another that is SOLAS and USCG approved.
http://www.acrartex.com/products/catalog/rescue-and-distress-lights/firefly-pro-solas/#tab-specs