Flares Revisited

In 1998, when the Foundation originally conducted testing on flares, there were 5 - 6 different manufacturers. Today there are two, marketed under three different brand names in the United States. Though the market appears to have undergone some shrinking, there is still a wide variety of models to choose from. SOLAS options, especially, have expanded.

SOLAS stands for Safety Of Life At Sea and is a standard set by the International Maritime Organization for offshore boating safety equipment. Almost half of the pyrotechnic signaling devices we tested were SOLAS approved in addition to being approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. We also tested some devices that are not yet approved by either organization. More on the flares next...

The test boat was anchored one quarter mile from the beach where observers took notes on each flare. A second boat circled for photos and video.

This picture is from our first flare testing in 1998. This handheld smoke flare is still sold today.