So while visiting METS in 2012 I was fortunate enough to meet with the team behind the Odeo or Omni-directional-electro-optical Flare one of 2012’s Dame Award winners.

I was really interested in this product since I know from my own experience on yachts the issues with replacing and disposing of standard flares. However after speaking to the team there we are couple of advantages and disadvantages to the device that I would like to share with everyone.

The Odeo is an alternative to the traditional red pyrotechnic hand held distress flare. The flare is 265 mm long, 50 mm wide and weighs only 330 grams which about the same as a traditional flare. A Traditional flare uses explosive materials to create a light that burns for about 30seconds. The Odeo uses battery powered lasers to burn for around 5 hours of continued use. Unlike standard flares the Odeo

• Floats
• Is water proof
• No explosive products so safe to carry in your pocket
• You can take it on the plane with you well in the cargo hold
• It runs on AA batteries which are always available
• You can test it to make sure that it is going to work when you need it
• The batteries that are supplied are good for 14years out living standard flares almost 3 fold

The Odeo retails for around £140 + VAT and shipping.

Unfortunately however under SOLAS, Safety of Life at Sea the Odeo isn’t recognised as a replacement for standard flares. However type of approval is being sort at the moment. It has been tested already by a number of coast guards agencies who have all agreed that when activated it is similar to traditional flares.

Professionals agree that this is a valid piece of safety equipment that all should consider adding to their ships LSA Life Saving Appliances. I personally would feel more comfortable holding onto an Odeo in the liferaft if I ever need assistance especially when I start to see all those traditional flares slowly disappear. Hopefully in the near future it will become accept and be a required piece of safety equipment on board all boats, yachts and ships in the marine industry.

I give this product 5 out of 5 for being practical, useful and for it positive environmental potential for all industries. Great work guys looking forward to seeing the in shops and yacht all around the world soon.

If you are interested in the Odeo check out

www.odeoflare.co.uk