PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
ACR ResQFlare • Electronic boat flare
Be seen when it matters most.
ACR ResQFlare is a reusable electronic boat flare that emits a white SOS light at night. The included orange distress flag provides your daytime signal.
Certified to meet USCG requirements. Carry the light and flag together as an alternative to required pyrotechnic flares on most U.S. recreational boats.
No burning flame. No expiration date. Two replaceable C-cell alkaline batteries required, sold separately.
20+ hours
Over 3× the USCG duration requirement at 75 cd peak equivalent fixed intensity, at room temperature.
360°
White SOS light in every direction, with published visibility beyond 6 miles.*
2 C cells
User-replaceable alkaline batteries. Replace annually.
*Visibility depends on weather, sea state, obstructions and the observer.
A reusable way to be seen
ResQFlare vs. traditional flares
Compare six practical differences between traditional pyrotechnic flares and the reusable ACR ResQFlare.
Swipe or scroll sideways to compare on smaller screens.
| What matters | Traditional pyro flares | ACR ResQFlare |
|---|---|---|
| Expiration date | Replace at the printed expiry date. | No expiration date. Inspect the unit and replace batteries annually. |
| Flame safety | Burning flame and hot residue require careful handling. | No burning flame, sparks or hot residue. Suitable for a family boating safety plan. |
| Easy operation | Ignition and handling steps vary by flare type. | Twist on to signal SOS. Show family and first-time boaters before your trip. |
| Disposal | Safe disposal required under local explosives or hazardous-waste rules. | No expired pyrotechnics to dispose of. Battery and electronics disposal rules still apply. |
| Water & flotation | Water resistance and flotation vary by model. | IP67 waterproof. Floats upright without a separate flotation ring. |
| Ongoing cost | Replace after use or expiry; disposal may carry a cost. | Buy once. Reuse with fresh batteries. Can reduce recurring flare replacement costs. |
Inspect regularly and replace batteries annually. Savings depend on use, battery prices and local flare replacement and disposal costs.
U.S. carriage replacement requires the light and daytime flag together. See the USCG standards and conditions.
Activate • Signal • Be seen
How does ResQFlare work?
- Twist to switch on.
Turn the top clockwise until the ON mark aligns with the mark on the lower body. - Send a recognizable SOS.
Seven white LEDs repeat the international Morse code distress signal: three short, three long, three short flashes. - Give others a visual reference.
Keep the light unobstructed so nearby boats or search crews can see it. The unit floats upright without a separate flotation ring.
ResQFlare is a visual distress signal. It does not transmit your GPS position or send a satellite alert to rescue authorities. Use your available distress communications and beacon equipment to call for help.
Reusable by design
Keep the signal. Replace the batteries.
Keep your ResQFlare ready for the next trip with batteries you can replace yourself.
- Use two C-cell alkaline batteries. Batteries are sold separately.
- Replace annually. Replace before the next use after seven hours or more of operation.
- Check the housing and seal. Follow the quick-start guide when opening and closing the unit.
The light has no pyrotechnic expiration date. Regular checks and fresh batteries keep it ready to use.
USCG requirements • Day and night
An SOS light for night. A distress flag for day.
ResQFlare and its included flag are certified to meet two separate U.S. Coast Guard standards:
- Night: 46 CFR 161.013. The white LED light flashes the international SOS signal.
- Day: 46 CFR 160.072. Display the orange flag with the black square above the black circle.
Can ResQFlare replace traditional boat flares?
Yes, on most U.S. recreational boats when the light and flag are carried together. Under 33 CFR 175.130, one compliant electric distress light meets the nighttime requirement and one compliant orange flag meets the daytime requirement. Keep both serviceable and readily accessible.
This U.S. recreational-boating provision does not establish acceptance in other countries or for every commercial vessel. Check the requirements for your vessel and cruising area.
Fishing • Cruising • Sailing
Make it easy for your crew to find.
Keep ResQFlare and its flag together in an accessible place on your boat or in your ditch bag. Before a trip, check the batteries, the housing and the seal, and make sure your crew knows how to activate the light and display the flag.
Already carry an EPIRB or PLB? ResQFlare adds a distinct visual signal to help others spot you once they are within sight. It complements satellite distress alerting; it cannot replace it.
Understand EPIRBs and satellite rescue · Plan what goes in your ditch bag
Choose the signal that fits
ResQFlare or ResQFlare PRO?
Choose ResQFlare for a compact white SOS light with long operation on two alkaline C cells. Choose ResQFlare PRO when you want multicolor SOS signaling and an infrared signal for search teams using suitable night-vision equipment.
Swipe or scroll sideways to compare on smaller screens.
| Feature | ResQFlare | ResQFlare PRO |
|---|---|---|
| Visible signal | White LED SOS | Red-orange and cyan LED SOS |
| Infrared signal | No | Yes |
| Published operation | 20+ hours at ≥75 cd peak equivalent fixed intensity, room temperature | 3 hours at ≥50 cd average effective intensity |
| Battery requirement | 2 × C-cell alkaline | 8 × CR123 lithium |
| Batteries included? | No | No |
| In the box | Electronic light and daytime flag | Electronic light, daytime flag, bracket and 1 m lanyard |
| Water protection | IP67; inherently buoyant | IP67; inherently buoyant |
Runtime figures use different light-output criteria and signaling patterns. They are not a direct brightness or overall-performance ranking.
Featured in the boating press
ResQFlare in the news
Explore ResQFlare coverage from sailing and boating publications.
Sailing World
A Safe Distress Flare Alternative
Dave Reed · September 29, 2020
An introduction to the ResQFlare electronic distress light and its accompanying daytime flag.
Great Lakes Scuttlebutt
This Year’s Boating Finds
Dan Armitage · November 27, 2020
ResQFlare features in Dan Armitage’s selection of boating accessories for the Great Lakes.
Lakeland Boating
ACR Electronics Introduces New Alternative to Pyrotechnic Flares
October 2020
Product launch coverage introducing the ResQFlare light and distress flag package.
What arrives with your ResQFlare
Your light and flag, ready to equip.
- ACR ResQFlare electronic distress light.
- Orange daytime distress flag.
Add two C-cell alkaline batteries before use. They are not included. Use only the specified alkaline chemistry; other battery types can affect operation and upright flotation.
The standard ResQFlare package does not include the additional accessories shown in the ResQFlare Safety Kit below.
The details that matter
ResQFlare specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | LNK-ERS1 |
| Light source | Seven high-efficiency white LEDs; Morse code SOS |
| Operation | At least 20 hours at the specified 75 cd peak equivalent fixed intensity, at room temperature |
| Power | 2 × C-cell alkaline batteries, user replaceable; not included |
| Battery maintenance | Replace annually; replace before next use after 7 hours or more of operation |
| Activation | Manual twist activation |
| Waterproof rating | IP67 |
| Buoyancy | Floats upright with the specified batteries; no flotation ring required |
| Dimensions | 2.36 in diameter × 8.07 in height (60 × 205 mm) |
| Weight | 0.3 lb (135 g), excluding batteries and flag |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty; terms apply |
| Product number | 3966 |
| Nighttime signal standard | 46 CFR 161.013; manufacturer-certified electric distress light |
| Daytime signal standard | 46 CFR 160.072; included orange distress flag |
Download the ResQFlare quick-start guide (PDF)
Download the ResQFlare specification sheet (PDF)
Before you choose
ResQFlare questions, answered
Is ResQFlare certified to meet USCG requirements?
Yes. ResQFlare is manufacturer-certified to meet 46 CFR 161.013 for nighttime signaling, and its included orange flag meets 46 CFR 160.072 for daytime signaling. Carried together, they can meet the day-and-night visual distress signal requirements in 33 CFR 175.130 for U.S. recreational boats. The light alone covers nighttime signaling.
Does ResQFlare call the Coast Guard or transmit my location?
No. ResQFlare emits a visible SOS light. It has no satellite distress transmitter, AIS alert or GPS location message. An EPIRB or PLB provides a separate satellite distress-alerting function.
Are the batteries included, and can I replace them?
Batteries are not included. Fit two C-cell alkaline batteries. Replace them annually, and before next use if the light has operated for seven hours or longer. Follow the quick-start guide and check that the sealing O-ring is correctly seated.
Does ResQFlare expire?
The device does not have the pyrotechnic expiration cycle of a traditional flare. Its batteries still require replacement, and the light, housing and seal must remain in good condition.
Does it switch on automatically in water?
No. Activation is manual. Twist the top clockwise to align ON with the mark on the lower body. With the specified batteries installed, the unit floats upright.
Can I use the white light as my daytime distress signal?
The included orange flag provides the daytime signal. The white LED SOS light is the nighttime visual distress device. Carry and use the appropriate signal for the conditions and requirements that apply to your vessel.
How far away can ResQFlare be seen?
ACR specifies visibility beyond six miles and 360-degree light distribution. Detection varies with weather, sea state, obstructions and the observer; the published distance is not a guaranteed rescue or detection range.
Can I replace pyrotechnic flares outside the United States?
Do not assume US acceptance applies elsewhere. Check the relevant national authority and the requirements for your vessel and voyage. ResQFlare and ResQFlare PRO have different specifications; approval claims for one model do not automatically apply to the other.
What does the ResQFlare Safety Kit add?
The Safety Kit combines ResQFlare and the daytime flag with a C-Strobe rescue light, signal mirror and RapidDitch Dry Bag. See the complete ResQFlare Safety Kit.
Build your onboard signaling kit
Looking for more than an electronic flare?
Keep your visual signaling gear together with the ResQFlare Safety Kit. It pairs the light and daytime flag with a C-Strobe rescue light, signal mirror and RapidDitch Dry Bag.
Explore the ResQFlare Safety Kit
Building a broader boat safety setup? Compare GlobalFix V5 boating safety kits for options that combine an EPIRB with additional survival equipment.
ResQFlare customer reviews
Read what customers have to say about their ResQFlare.
