Electronic Visual Distress Signal Device (eVDSD) Now Legal in Canada

eVDSDs can now be used in lieu of approved rocket parachute flares, multi-star flares, hand flares or a watertight flashlight on pleasure boats >6M and <9M in length (MacGregors).

Transport Canada (TC) approved smoke signal still needs to be carried with the eVDSD for daytime alerting.

The eVDSD carried on board must:

  • be labelled with the statement, “Complies with RTCM Standard 13200.0 for an eVDSD”.
  • be an accredited product certification body, or the United States Coast Guard (USCG), stating that it has been tested to and meets the requirements of the RTCM standard 13200.0.
  • all crew and passengers are trained in their operation.

The bad news; the cost for one device is around $400.00.

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