MIN 542 (X) Life-Saving Appliances – Recognised Distress Signals and Advertised Alternatives to Pyrotechnic Flares (link)
The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (COLREGS) specifies the signals which should be used if a vessel is in distress and needs immediate assistance. Distress alerting equipment to transmit these signals (e.g. flares) is required to be carried on certain vessels.
This Merchant Information Note issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) provides the latest advice on products sold as distress signalling equipment to be used in an emergency. It highlights the risks of using non-SOLAS or nonpyrotechnic distress flares such as Electronic Visual Distress Signals (EVDS).
The note replaces MIN 464.
Source: MCA