MIN 464 (M+F) – Non-Pyrotechnic Flares (link)
Annex IV of the international regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) sets out the signals used to indicate if a vessel is in distress and in need of immediate assistance. The equipment needed to make some of these signals (e.g. pyrotechnics) is required to be carried on all seagoing commercial vessels, and most non–seagoing commercial vessels.
This MIN addresses the development of hand-held non-pyrotechnic devices offered as an alternative to pyrotechnic flares. The MCA considers that a change would be needed to Annex IV of the COLREGS to permit these devices full recognition as distress signals.
Source: MCA