Sirius Signal, manufacturer of Coast Guard-compliant electronic distress flares, has incorporated an SOS signal within standard navigation lights.
The system replaces a boat’s standard all-around white light. A toggle of the off-on switch changes the white light to a two-color distress light that flashes SOS; an infrared LED also flashes SOS for night vision. No new wiring is required.
CEO Anthony Covelli likens the Supplemental Alert System to hazard lights on a car, mandated equipment since 1967.
“Due to the increased popularity of recreational boating as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, water rescues and fatalities have increased,” Sirius Signal vice president Steven Caldero said in a statement. “Our solution is simply to provide superior technology and products that make boating at night safe.”
The system will premiere at the U.S. Sailboat Show, scheduled for Oct. 14-18 in Annapolis, Md.
