Understanding the Future of Marine Safety: E-Flares in Australia

In recent years, electronic visual distress signals – commonly known as E-Flares – have emerged as a popular alternative to traditional pyrotechnic flares for marine safety. Compact, reusable, and easy to handle, these battery-powered devices emit a bright strobe light visible for miles.

While some Australian recreational boaters and safety advocates see E-Flares as a safer and more practical option, national approval and regulation remain a work in progress.

What Are E-Flares?

E-Flares are portable, battery-operated devices that emit high-intensity flashing lights to signal distress. Unlike traditional pyrotechnic flares, they do not involve combustion, heat, or explosive chemicals. They are increasingly seen as a safer and more environmentally friendly option, particularly in small recreational vessels, personal watercraft (PWCs), and fuel-sensitive environments.

The Regulatory Landscape in Australia

Currently, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) does not approve E-Flares as a substitute for pyrotechnic flares for regulated commercial vessels. The relevant national standard requires vessels to carry approved red hand flares and orange smoke signals where applicable.

However, the rules for recreational vessels are set by individual state and territory marine authorities, which has led to inconsistency across the country.

• Western Australia (WA) has taken a progressive stance. As of recent updates, recreational vessels operating within 12 nautical miles from the coast may carry an approved E-Flare in lieu of a red hand flare, provided certain conditions are met.

• New South Wales (NSW), Queensland and Victoria continue to require pyrotechnic flares for most offshore operations, although discussions about E-Flares are ongoing.

• Tasmania and the Northern Territory have not formally approved E-Flares but may allow their carriage as supplementary safety equipment.

Why Some Boaters Prefer E-Flares

Many small craft operators and jet ski users prefer E-Flares for practical and safety reasons:

• Reduced Fire Risk: On small vessels or personal watercraft powered by petrol engines, carrying flammable pyrotechnics raises valid safety concerns. E-Flares eliminate this hazard entirely.

• No Expiry Date: Pyrotechnic flares typically expire within three years, requiring regular replacement and disposal. E-Flares only require functional batteries and maintenance checks.

• Safe and Simple to Use: There’s no ignition process, no risk of burns, and no smoke. This makes E-Flares more accessible in an emergency, especially for inexperienced users.

A Safer Option for Life Rafts

One of the most effective arguments in favour of E-Flares is their potential use inside or near life rafts. Traditional flares, while highly visible, pose a serious risk when ignited in or near a compact, inflatable environment:

• Pyrotechnic flares emit extreme heat, hot sparks, and sometimes molten residue, which can burn through raft fabric or injure occupants.

• Smoke generation from traditional orange smoke signals can also become overwhelming or disorienting in confined spaces, particularly if visibility is already poor or if people are injured or panicked.

• E-Flares, in contrast, offer a cool, smokeless, and reusable light source, reducing the risk of secondary injury or damage during a distress situation.

While pyrotechnics remain the approved standard in survival kits under AMSA’s requirements, E-Flares may one day offer a safer alternative for distress signaling from life rafts, particularly if further testing confirms they meet visibility and reliability benchmarks under international conventions.

Limitations and Concerns

Despite their benefits, there are key reasons why E-Flares have not yet been fully adopted across Australia:

• Visibility in Daylight: Traditional smoke and flare signals remain more visible during daylight hours, particularly in poor sea states or overcast conditions.

• Recognition by Rescuers: Search and rescue services are trained to look for specific colours and types of pyrotechnic signals. E-Flares may not be as easily identifiable in crowded or complex environments.

• Standardisation and Approval: Without consistent national regulation or standards, E-Flare approval remains patchy. AMSA and state authorities are still evaluating performance metrics, testing protocols, and compliance pathways.

Looking Ahead: Will AMSA Approve E-Flares?

While AMSA has not yet endorsed E-Flares for regulated vessels, conversations around modernising safety equipment requirements are ongoing. Internationally, some countries (such as the U.S. Coast Guard) have begun approving electronic distress signals that meet specific visibility and duration standards.

In Australia, pressure from industry, safety advocates, and recreational users may encourage future updates to the National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) and state-based recreational regulations. However, any such change will likely involve rigorous testing and stakeholder consultation to ensure that electronic devices meet or exceed the reliability of traditional flares

E-Flares represent a promising step forward in maritime safety – offering a safer, cleaner, and more user-friendly alternative to pyrotechnic flares. However, they are not yet approved nationwide, and boaters should remain informed of the specific requirements in their state or territory.

Until there is national consistency, vessel operators must continue to carry approved flares where required and may choose to carry E-Flares as a supplementary tool, not a replacement.

In confined and vulnerable environments like life rafts, the use of E-Flares could be a game-changing safety improvement – removing the risks of smoke inhalation, burns, and raft damage from pyrotechnics. This is an area that deserves serious consideration from regulators in future reviews.

Always check with your local maritime authority before you set out.

Capt. Cal

Sail Your Own Course.