Sirius Signal SOS Distress Light Review

Catamaran Guru has come across another great innovative US-made product for our sailboats. The SOS Distress Light is the first (and so currently the only) LED Visual Distress Signal Device that can completely replace pyrotechnic flares.

Stephen and I met the Sirius Signal folks at the San Diego International Boat show last month (June 2015). We liked the family who owns the business and we liked their SOS Distress Light. So we bought it for our new Lagoon 450 Sport Top and we will (hopefully not) be using this distress signal device during our crossing back to the US from France where we will pick her up.

[UPDATE NOVEMBER 2015: We had the privilege to catch up with Anthony Covelli, co-founder of Sirius Signal, at the Annapolis Boat Show in October. He was gracious enough to let us video him talking about this great American-made product…check it out. Don’t miss the Sirius Signal customer testimonial at the end of this article!]

Top Features for Catamaran Owners

• Safer than pyrotechnic flares (legislation is in the works to start banning them in several states)
• Simple operation with an on/off switch
• Environmentally friendly unlike flares
• Flexible use; can be tethered, handheld, or hoisted aloft
• US Coast Guard-approved for day/night visual distress signals
• Never expires; it not has to be replaced making it more- cost effective than flares (how often to you get better products for less money?)
• Made in the USA

Specifications

• Price Range: $99.95 (shipping $11.95)
• Battery-operated
• Comes with the US Coast Guard-required distress flag for day visual distress signal
• Visible for over 10 nautical miles
  • Omni-directional light display for surface rescue watercraft
  • Vertical beam visible to aircraft
• Beam lasts for hours (compared to minutes for a flare)
• High-performance, programmable microprocessor controls an SOS signal
• Flash generated from a potent CREE LED bulb
• Meets US Coast Guard requirements (46 CFR 161.013)
• Buoyant

Where to Get Your SOS Distress Light

If you are in San Diego, you can call Sirius Signal at 888-526-0005 to make an appointment to visit them in their store at 1254 Scott Street, San Diego, CA 92106.

Or buy SOS Distress Light online.

What’s Your Take on the SOS Distress Light?

We are thrilled with the safer, less expensive distress signal that SOS Distress Light provides. Have you had nightmare stories about flares? Have you purchased the SOS Distress Light? What do you think? Comment below.

Sirius Signal Customer Testimonial

While walking around the Annapolis Sailboat Show 2015, we met a couple enjoying the great weather and sporting their newly purchased Sirius Signal. We asked them why they bought it, hear what they have to say! Remember to let us know what you think in the comments below.