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If choosing to substitute EVDS for pyrotechnic flares, then a GPS-EPIRB, VHF and 2 Parachute flares must be carried. WA are in line with Tasmania but the other states are not on board yet (boom boom). In daylight EVDS are not as effective, hence the EPIRB and VHF can be used.

Tasmania is leading the way in the development of EVDS standards and Peter highlighted some of the following points from this:

• Flares only last 60 secs
• 1% of rescues are initiated by flares.
• Flares essentially used to identify location to the rescuer.
• Flares can pose a safety hazard to the user.
• Flares cannot be tested as EVDS can be.
• Laser flares do not meet standards.
• Disposal of pyrotechnic flares is available at some municipal waste stations, in SE TAS:
  • Clarence City Council – Mornington Park Waste Transfer Station – Mornington Road, Mornington
  • Glenorchy City Council – Jackson Street Waste Management Centre
  • Hobart City Council– McRobies Gully Waste Management Centre – McRobies Road, South Hobart
  • Huon Valley Council – Southbridge Waste Transfer Station – Huon Highway, Huonville
  • Kingborough Council – Kingborough Waste Services – Channel Highway, Baretta
  • Glamorgan Spring Bay Council – Orford Waste Transfer Station – Tasman Highway Orford
  • Tasman Council – 1713 Main Road, Nubeena, TAS, 7184

  For other areas of TAS check the MAST website: MAST Safe-Boating Flares; 

1.Sirius Signal – Model SOS C-1003 All White
2.Orion Safety Product – Model: ORION Electronic SOS Beacon Locator Kit
3.Sirius Signal – Model C-1002 eVDSD with red-orange/cyan LED and IR S-O-S characteristic that meets RTCM Standard 13200.
4.ACR Electronics Inc – ResQFlare
5.Sirius Signal – Model SOS C-1004 All White SOS