: I bought a small laser flare recently and carry it in my PFD. It is not, as
: I'm guessing you assume, a point source, but projects a line. This should
: make it much easier to target accurately.

: The link is to an independent review, albeit from a pilot's perspective. It
: cites 22 mile visibility at night from a plane. The maker claims 1-5 miles
: in daylight.

: I have yet to give it a field trial (but should and will), nor do I know of
: its use in a marine rescue situation. However it is small, rugged and
: easily carried in a PFD pocket, and should be much more effective in
: attracting attention and pinpointing location than conventional flares. I
: also carry a cell phone and/or VHF radio.

Thanks Ken,
That makes sense. The only lasers I've used that were strong enough to use in signaling were the dot type. My level has a fan type laser but it's very attenuated with a 90 degree fan. You wouldn't notice it at 200 metres.

A mobile phone (cell phone to you) isn't as useful as a VHF radio here. There's better coverage/reception with VHF along the coast around here. Although I do bring my phone with me on Lough Ine. For some reason, my provider can get signal into the area. It's basically a hole in the ground. But a very pretty one.
I don't have the URL for it, but it's on Google Map with some photo links.

I do lose VHF reception there, though.

Mike Savage
South West Cork