Alternatives to Pyrotechnic Distress Signals; Additional Signal Evaluation
Abstract
This report is the fourth in a series that details work on behalf of the Coast Guard Office of Design and Engineering Standards, Life Saving and Fire Safety Branch to develop an electronic visual distress signal characteristic. This report presents the testing of additional colors and an SOS pattern, with direct comparison to the previously-recommended, 4 Hertz, Cyan and Red-Orange, alternating, group-flashing signal and to a red, hand-held flare. The additional testing considered three, different, White LED colors, and a Lime LED. The research project team conducted three pilot tests with human subjects to compare the different colors on subjective conspicuity, before conducting a two night, visual-search paradigm-based field experiment to quantitatively determine relative signal identification rates and response times. This report provides the test results and analysis to support an electronic visual distress signal device performance standard that addresses Coast Guard project sponsor and stakeholders needs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1038361
Entities
People
- A. M. Rothblum
- A. P. Dahlen
- C. M. Rostowfske
- M. J. Lewandowski
- T. E. Norton
- V. A. Reubelt