Testing maritime distress signals - results and lessons learned

Distress signal devices for marine use are vital tools that indicate emergencies in navigable waters and request assistance. They are designed to be easily identifiable and effective for communicating distress to nearby vessels or rescue services. These devices are necessary to guarantee the safety of crew members and passengers on a ship, making it imperative that they function reliably and do not pose risks to users. Consequently, testing these maritime pyrotechnic articles is mandatory due to the stringent safety standards set by international regulatory bodies. This paper presents the results obtained from testing hand flares and buoyant smoke signals at the INSEMEX Petrosani facilities, which were part of a project consortium funded by the EU. Market surveillance authorities from Germany, Norway, and Portugal made up this consortium, and a representative from Belgium provided coordination. The tests yielded several noteworthy findings and insights, underscoring significant concerns regarding personnel safety when using these products in real-life scenarios. The project's outcomes highlighted the necessity for rigorous testing methodologies to ensure the reliability and security of marine pyrotechnic devices. Furthermore, it proposed enhancements and revisions to international standards, which are crucial for mitigating risks and ensuring optimal operational safety for these products in marine applications.