The MCA published ‘MIN 542 amendment 3 lifesaving appliances – recognised distress signals and advertised alternatives to pyrotechnic flares’ on 12 April 2024.

This MIN is applicable to all Ship Owners, Ship Operators, Port Operators, Harbour Masters, Yacht Skippers, Pleasure Vessel Users, Masters and owners of vessels operating on Inland Waterways, Fishing Vessel Skippers and Seafarers.

MIN 542 provides the latest advice to mariners on products sold as distress signalling equipment to be used in an emergency, highlighting the risks of using non-SOLAS or non-pyrotechnic distress flares such as Electronic Visual Distress Signals (EVDS).

This note replaces MIN 542 Amendment 2 and MIN 464 and should be read in conjunction with MGN 280, MGN 599 and MSN 1874.

This MIN (Amendment 3) makes some minor updates to UK type approval regulations issued within MSN 1874.

MIN 542 amendment 3 can be downloaded here - MIN 542 (M+F) Amendment 3 life saving appliances – recognised distress signals and advertised alternatives to pyrotechnic flares - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)