Waterproof SOLAS Liferaft LED Torch (7h Emergency Flashlight, ISO 18813)

This waterproof electric torch is purpose-built for marine emergency use – an ideal addition to any liferaft, rescue boat, or abandon-ship grab bag. Certified to ISO 18813:2006 (SOLAS) standards for survival craft equipment, it meets stringent requirements for reliability and performance under life-threatening conditions.

At its core is a high-intensity white LED lamp producing over 150 candela of peak luminous intensity. This bright output generates a focused beam visible from great distances – crucial for attracting the attention of rescuers in the dark. The device features a unique signaling capability: by rapidly toggling the on/off switch, the torch can emit Morse code flashes (~180 per minute). This allows survivors to send the SOS signal or other coded messages to nearby ships or aircraft using visual Morse, vastly improving chances of being noticed.

In continuous mode, the torch will shine for 7+ hours on a single AA battery, maintaining at least 1.5 cd of brightness by the end of that period. This exceeds one full night of operation, providing vital illumination until daylight or rescue arrives. Power is supplied by 1× LR6 (AA) alkaline battery, a common and easily replaceable cell. When packed as part of an emergency kit, the included battery has an approximate shelf life of 3 years, meaning the unit can remain sealed and ready for use over long durations without maintenance.

Design & Construction: The torch is extremely compact (only ~10.5 cm in length) and lightweight (~0.1 kg with battery), which makes it easy to handle in stressful situations. It can even be attached to a life jacket or held for extended periods without fatigue. The body is made of durable, impact-resistant plastic in a high-visibility color, with secure waterproof sealing – it’s designed to withstand full immersion in seawater. The flashlight operates reliably across a broad temperature range of -10°C to +70°C, meaning that the frigid cold of northern waters or the heat of the tropics won’t hinder its function.

Activation is manual – typically via a twist cap or push-button mechanism. This deliberate simplicity (no automatic triggers) ensures the torch won’t turn on unintentionally during storage or transit. In an emergency, the user has full control to activate it at the right moment, thus conserving the battery until light is truly needed.

Applications & Recommendations: The Five-Marine SOLAS liferaft torch is an essential item in any abandon-ship or ditch bag. Should you ever need to evacuate your vessel, it provides: illumination inside the liferaft (helping survivors orient themselves, locate gear, render first aid, etc.), the ability to read survival instructions or operate equipment in darkness, and most importantly – a means to signal rescuers at night. For example, groups of flashes can mark the liferaft’s location to an approaching ship or search-and-rescue helicopter. This torch isn’t just for liferafts; it’s also suitable for any boat’s crew as a personal emergency light, for man-overboard situations, for signaling between vessels, or even as part of a coastal camper’s safety kit when near water.

Maintenance: The device is virtually maintenance-free – it’s recommended to periodically (e.g., annually) check the battery and O-ring seals, especially if kept as permanent equipment. After use, if you return safely to shore, rinse the torch in fresh water and dry it thoroughly to remove salt and preserve the components.

With its compact size, certified reliability, and dual functionality (illumination + signaling), this SOLAS-approved liferaft torch is an indispensable aid in maritime emergencies. It greatly enhances the chances of a successful rescue by providing light and hope in the darkest hours at sea.