ALCOAST 234/25 - MAY 2025 TRANSITION TO ELECTRONIC VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALING DEVICE

R 221520Z MAY 25 MID120001962847U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 234/25
SSIC 10470
SUBJ: TRANSITION TO ELECTRONIC VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALING DEVICE
A. Rescue and Survival Systems, COMDTINST 10470.10H
B. Ordnance Manual, COMDTINST 8000.2G
C. Ordnance TTP, CGTTP 3-30.2A
D. Real Property Management Manual, COMDTINST 11011.11A
E. 33 CFR 175 Subpart C
F. 46 CFR 160.072
G. 46 CFR 161.013
1. This ALCOAST announces the Coast Guard's transition from the
requirement to carry three (3) MK 124 Marine Smoke and
Illumination Signals in the boat pyrotechnics kit to an
approved electronic Visual Distress Signaling Devices (eVDSD).
This transition enhances safety by providing a more reliable
and longer-lasting distress signaling capability, and
significantly reduces the administrative burden associated
with the MK 124 pyrotechnics on units.
2. Effective April 1, 2026, the MK 124 will no longer be authorized
for carriage on Coast Guard boats. Should there be a delay in
available devices, COMDT (CG-731) will amend the April 1, 2026 date
via policy memo located at the Office of Boat Forces (CG-731)
SharePoint site:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://uscg.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/cg731/SitePages
/BFPolicyLetters.aspx

3. eVDSDs offer significant advantages over pyrotechnic flares,
including:
    a. Increased Visibility: eVDSDs provide a brighter and more
consistent light output, increasing detectability.
    b. Extended Operational Life: eVDSDs offer significantly
longer operational life than pyrotechnic flares.
    c. Enhanced Safety: eVDSDs eliminate the hazards associated
with handling and deploying pyrotechnic flares, reducing the
risk of burns, misfires, and accidental ignition.
4. Maintenance: A maintenance card is under development by
COMDT (CG-731). In the interim, units must:
    a. Replace eVDSD batteries annually.
    b. Conduct monthly visual inspections for defects (cracks,
damage).
    c. Replace batteries if the device is found in the "on"
position.
    d. Document all maintenance actions on the Rescue and Survival
Systems/Equipment Maintenance record.
5. To support this transition, LOGCOM will procure and distribute
eVDSD kits using COMDT (CG-731) funds. Distribution will be managed
through EZSupply locations on the East and West coasts; further
details will be released separately. In the event of limited stock,
CG-731 will determine distribution priorities. Cost accounting and
tracking will be conducted within the EZSupply platform.
The estimated procurement and distribution timeframe is 90 days.
Timeline updates will be posted on the CG-731 SharePoint site.
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://uscg.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/cg731/SitePages/What's%20Hot
%20and%20New.aspx

6. MK 124 (LA60/L283) Inventory: Once units fully transition to the
eVDSD and no longer require MK 124 Marine Smoke and Illumination
Signals, then the unit must follow the procedures below:
    a. Expend all MK 124s in current inventory.
    b. If LA60/L283 inventory exceeds current Non-Combat Expenditure
Allocation (NCEA), then units must request an NCEA augment prior to
expenditure.
7. Impacted Units: IAW REFs (B) and (C), all units with firearms or
munitions must establish and maintain an Ordnance Program and must
be inspected to verify all applicable elements of the Ordnance
Program are in place and understood by unit personnel. Once a
unit is no longer required to use or store firearms and munitions;
the unit is authorized to disestablish their Ordnance Program
and must notify FORCECOM Aws via email at:
D05-SMB-FORCECOM-AWS-OSI@USCG.MIL to remove their unit from the
Ordnance Safety Inspection Program. Units that no longer require
High Security Locks, must transfer them via DD-1149 to their
servicing armory. Shore units that no longer require Ready Service
Lockers (RSL) or munitions magazines and desire to dispose of them,
should contact their servicing armories for redistribution
opportunities within their AOR prior to disposition. Unserviceable
RSLs and magazines must be disposed of IAW REF (D).
8. POC: Office of Boat Forces (CG-731), CWO4 Sean Stone
(571) 608-0920, Sean.C.Stone@uscg.mil. Office of
Specialized Capabilities (CG-721), CWO2 Frank Franklin
(571) 608-7277, Frank.M.Franklin@uscg.mil. EZ Supply,
Dr. Luke Bailey (571) 614-3798, Luke.M.Bailey2@uscg.mil.
9. RADM Shannon N. Gilreath, Assistant Commandant for Capability
(CG-7), sends.
10. Internet release is authorized.