ALCOAST 396/25 - SEP 2025 TRANSITION TO ELECTRONIC VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALING DEVICE

R 221440Z SEP 25    MID120012078547U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 396/25
SSIC 10470
SUBJ: TRANSITION TO ELECTRONIC VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALING DEVICE
A. Ordnance Manual, COMDTINST 8000.2G
B. Ordnance TTP, CGTTP 3-30.2A
C. Real Property Management Manual, COMDTINST 11011.11A
1. This ALCOAST announces the Coast Guard's transition away from
requiring MK-79 Personal Distress Signal Kits and MK 124 Marine
Smoke and Illumination Signals on cutter classes: WYTL, WLI,
87 CPB, WLR, WTGB, WLIC, and WLM. Instead, these cutters
will now utilize approved electronic Visual Distress Signaling
Devices (eVDSDs). Removing the pyrotechnic requirement for WLIC,
WLR, and WLI not only simplifies operations but also substantially
reduces the administrative burden associated with the management
of MK 79 and MK 124 pyrotechnics. Note that M127 carriage remains
mandatory for WYTL, 87 CPB, WTGB, and WLM.
2. Cutters must transition to an eVDSD by June 1, 2026.
Should there be a delay in available devices, COMDT (CG-731) will
amend the June 1, 2026 date via 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. Extended Operational Life: eVDSDs offer significantly
longer operational life than pyrotechnic flares.
    b. 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. Units must procure their own eVDSD to facilitate the change.
The ACR ResQFlare Pro is the authorized eVDSD and can be
procured at:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://www.acrartex.com/products/resqflare-pro-boat-flare/
?srsltid=AfmBOooSayemzJxXt5vPTvjJryeV7WLFj3bEpVSAnPRpn8tPq7nWtrh9

6. MK-79 (L118) and MK 124 (LA60/L283) Inventory: Once units
fully transition to the eVDSD and no longer require the MK-79
Personal Distress Signal Kits and MK 124 Marine Smoke and
Illumination Signals, then the unit must follow the procedures
below:
    a. Expend all MK 79s and MK 124s in current inventory.
    b. If L118 and LA60/L283 inventory exceeds current
Non-Combat Expenditure Allocation (NCEA), then units must
request an NCEA augment prior to expenditure.
7. In addition to removing MK-79 (L118) and MK 124 (LA60/L283)
pyrotechnic requirements, the following cutter classes are no
longer required to carry pyrotechnics intended for Search and
Rescue (SAR) operations due to the platforms limited SAR response
capabilities and the areas in which they routinely operate: WLIC,
WLR, WLI. SAR pyrotechnics include M127A1 (L312) and MK 58 (L580).
Units that are currently carrying SAR pyro shall follow the same
steps listed in par 6 for inventory transition.
8. Impacted Units: IAW REFs (A) and (B), 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.
9. CG-C5I-I2 is working with CG-731 and tracking interim policies
and/or procedures issued for internal controls purposes.
10. POC: Office of Cutter Forces (CG-751), CWO2 Tim Edwards
(202)372-1242, timothy.m.edwards@uscg.mil, and CWO3 Jon Becker
(571) 608-2489, jonathan.p.becker@uscg.mil,
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.
11. RADM Amy B. Grable, Assistant Commandant for Capability
(CG-7), sends.
12. Internet release is authorized.