Marine Emergency Lights & Distress Signalling – Certified Safety for Vessels & Yachts

Buyer’s Guide: Specifying Marine Emergency Lighting and Distress Systems

Maritime safety relies on multi-layered protection: statutory statutory type-approved lights under IMO SOLAS/MED, personal survival locator lights on immersion suits, non-hazardous electronic visual distress signals (eVDS), and satellite-linked locator beacons.

1. Lifejacket & Lifebuoy Lights (SOLAS/MED for Commercial Shipping)

For commercial vessels, passenger ferries, tugs, and fishing fleets, SOLAS/MED certification is mandatory. We maintain deep stock of genuine Daniamant emergency lights:

• Water-Activated Lifejacket Lights (DAN W4-A, Dan W3, Dan W3 Polar): Automatically triggering upon immersion with manual override capability. The flagship DAN W4-A uses alkaline cells completely exempt from hazardous goods shipping restrictions (Non-HAZMAT). The Dan W3 Polar is certified for polar operations down to −52 °C.
• Manual & ATEX Approved Lights (DAN M4-A, L6-Ex, L6A-Ex): Manually operated lights prevent unwanted activation in heavy sea spray. Intrinsically safe models L6-Ex and L6A-Ex are ATEX/IECEx approved for Zone 0, 1, and 2 hazardous areas on tankers and gas carriers.
• SOLAS Lifebuoy Lights (Daniamant L90, L160, L170 & L161): Ranging from the classic L90 (replaceable D-cells) to sealed, maintenance-free L160 and ultra-compact L170 units (5-year lifespan). All models are certified for drop heights up to 76 metres.

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2. Electronic Distress Flares (eVDS) & Personal Strobes

Conventional pyrotechnic hand flares burn out after approximately 60 seconds, produce hazardous molten slag, and pose severe fire risks on vessels and liferafts. British ODEO units replace explosive chemistry with high-output solid-state LEDs:

• ODEO Distress Flare™ (Part no. 31-001A): Full-sized electronic visual distress signal providing up to 9 hours of continuous pulsating red LED output visible up to 6 nautical miles. Floats upright and is safe for airline baggage.
• ODEO SOS (Part no. 34-001A): Ultra-compact pocket flare transmitting the international Morse SOS distress sequence in visible white and Infrared (IR) light.
• ODEO Strobe (Part no. 32-002A): MED-approved personal locator strobe (>50 cd) with an integrated Infrared LED (850 nm) for rapid detection by SAR helicopters using Night Vision Goggles (NVG).
• Daniamant AQ-4 MkII (Part no. 87333 / NATO NSN): High-end multipurpose diving and distress strobe pressure-tested to 500 metres depth (IP68). Features a two-way switch toggling between 50 flashes/min strobe output and a steady inspection beam. Powered by 1 standard C-cell.

Explore the full ODEO range » | Read more about Daniamant AQ-4 MkII »

3. Signalling Torches & Morse Lights (SOLAS / ISO 18813)

Under IMO LSA Code and ISO 18813 requirements, survival craft emergency packs must carry an approved waterproof signalling torch capable of Morse transmission:

• Daniamant ST-250 Signalling Torch (Part no. 70-001A / IMPA 330268): SOLAS/ISO type-approved for lifeboats and liferafts. Delivers a concentrated 250 candela beam with at least 5 hours runtime. Submersible to 50 m (IP68) and fitted with a tactile Morse signalling switch. Supplied in a moisture-proof container complete with spare LED module and battery.
• Daniamant AQ-4 MkII Steady Beam: In its continuous steady mode, the AQ-4 MkII serves as an exceptionally pressure-rated (500 m) task light for commercial and military divers.
• Spare LED Modules: We supply genuine replacement LED assemblies (Part no. 70-103) for long-term fleet survey readiness.

4. Emergency Locator Beacons (PLBs, AIS & EPIRBs)

During an offshore emergency, satellite and radio beacons trigger the fastest search-and-rescue response and alert nearby vessels immediately:

• Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs): Transmits 406 MHz distress signals via the Cospas-Sarsat satellite network directly to rescue coordination centers worldwide with GPS precision, combined with a 121.5 MHz homing signal.
• AIS MOB Beacons: Deploys automatically upon lifejacket inflation, transmitting an emergency AIS broadcast directly to all VHF AIS-equipped craft and chartplotters within a 4–5 NM radius for rapid survivor recovery.
• EPIRBs & AIS-SARTs: Vessel-mounted emergency beacons with hydrostatic release units (HRU) and radar transponders guiding rescue craft directly to survival craft.

Comparison Matrix: Marine Emergency Lights & Signals