[Paddlewise] SOS safety light - is this new?

(Based on a recent post by someone on rec.boats.paddle)

I can't remember ever hearing about this.  I know strobes and such have
been discussed before, but at no time has the requirement for an SOS
flashing light been mentioned that I can remember.

Specifically, the USCG regs for distress signals require that if you are
in a manually propelled craft at night, you have to have a visual 
distress signal.  The requirement for an electric light is:

> The electric distress light is accepted for night use only and must 
> automatically flash the international SOS distress signal (... - - - ...).

(ref: http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/metlife/distress.htm, but there
are other sites as well.)

I can't find a similar requirement in the Canadian CG regs; that suggests to 
me it might be a new US reg that CCG hasn't caught up to (or I just can't find)

Comments?

Mike

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