Thanks for a good little video ... shame you couldn't show the red at 1.25Nm ...
However, it would've been helpful to visually compare these against the flares they are aimed to compete/replace - so I assume a red HH flare - at same distances ...
You're right, a proper comparative test would have involved incendiary flares. Unfortunately getting permission to let off pyrotechnics like that is not easy, and we have to play by the rules (or at least be seen to play by the rules).
The red flare at 1.25 miles was visible to the naked eye, but not to the pretty simply video camera we were using. A request for a better quality one has been lodged. This thread might help move things along...
A good test glad I have seen it I need new flares this year. I must say that I was a little dissapointed with both the "flares", they were obvously very directional. A conclusion is that a normal port or starboard side light is more visible than a laser flare at 2miles? Why not put a side light on a stick and wave it about then . . . . . . .
Also 1.25 miles is just about across the harbour in Dover no great distance, a carside light has no trouble being seen at that distance if you see what I mean.
IF you decide to repeat this test with conventional flares for comparison could you also include other common devices such as a maglight torch and one of those cheap rechargable led torches etc.
yup - I know getting permission to let off proper flares is a little tricky - but I'm sure the CG & RNLI would be happy to assist in a proper constructive trial which would give you an authoritative review of what is potentially a far safer method of raising attention in the absense of VHF ...
All excellent points, and taken on board. The red flare was quite directional, but the green one was clearly visible even when held at an acute angle to the recording team. This doesn't show up in the video unfortunately, but is mentioned in the magazine along with many other points. The video also fails to do justice to the brightness of the flares – the green one at 1.25 miles was almost blinding, and lit up a house behind us quite brilliantly. It's hard to imagine a side light or torch doing the same. With a better video camera, perhaps this might have come through more clearly.
There's clearly scope for a wider, more thorough test involving some of the maritime authorities and other methods of signalling, and this is something we'll look into.
But flashing a green light is not an internationally accepted distress signal so would be ignored. If I saw a flashing green light at sea I'd assume it was just someone mucking about.
MBM - video of rescue flares
Linear Mode
