U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Force Set to Remove Pyrotechnics
December 2, 2025
Sirius Signal supports the transition to SOS electronic distress signal devices.
In a statement issued on November 22, 2025, Sirius Signal, leader in marine safety distress signal innovation and manufacturing, announced its support of a recent U.S. Coast Guard directive to remove pyrotechnics from service, commending this action as leading by example. As of June 1, 2026, U.S. Coast Guard cutters will be outfitted with SOS electronic visual distress signal device (eVDSDs).
The directive from the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, published in ALCOAST 396/25, is entitled, “Transition to Electronic Visual Distress Signal Device.” The message highlights the realization that removing the pyrotechnic requirement for cutters simplifies operations as well as the administrational burden.
“This is undoubtedly due to the storage and disposal requirement of toxic marine flares,” said Anthony Covelli, Sirius Signal CEO.
The message further states, “eVDSD/s offers several significant advantages over pyrotechnic flares, including extended operational life and enhanced safety.”
“Finally, the top boating safety authority is all-in with the adoption of these modern high-tech LED-powered handheld SOS distress lights,” said Steven Caldero, Sirius Signal Vice President of Sales.
“This leadership decision is long overdue,” added Covelli. “Now recreational boaters can see the U.S. Coast Guard choice is made at the top and is a best practice for all boaters.”
