Q: Can I use the SM-3 to replace my old SM-2 Marker Light without drilling new holes? A: Yes, the SM-3 is engineered as a seamless retrofit for the legacy SM-2. It features the exact same mounting bracket footprint, allowing you to swap units without modifying your vessel. Beyond the physical fit, the SM-3 matches all original approvals and adds international MED certification. It also solves a major maintenance headache: instead of the obsolete lantern-style batteries of the SM-2, the SM-3 runs on cost-effective, widely available AA Lithium batteries.
Q: How do I test or activate the light if there are no external switches? A: The SM-3 utilizes a sealed, fail-safe Gravity Switch to prevent corrosion and failure. Orientation determines the state of the light. To activate the strobe, simply flip the unit 180 degrees so the LED lamp faces upward (towards the sky). To deactivate it, turn the unit over so the lamp faces down (towards the deck).
Q: Does the light ship with batteries included? A: To classify the shipment as "Non-Hazmat" and keep shipping costs low, batteries are not included in the box. The unit requires two (2) AA L91 Lithium batteries. We recommend L91 Lithium cells specifically for their long shelf life and performance in extreme temperatures.
Q: How many self-igniting lights are required for my vessel's lifebuoys? A: Compliance regulations mandate that at least 50% of the lifebuoys on board must be equipped with a certified marker light. The total number depends on your vessel’s specific length classification, but generally ranges from a minimum of 4 to 15 lifebuoys with self-igniting lights per ship.
Q: What is the service life of the SM-3? Do I need to replace it after using it once? A: You do not need to discard the unit after a single deployment; you simply need to install fresh AA L91 batteries. However, to remain compliant with MED regulations, the entire light unit has a fixed lifespan and must be replaced every 5 years, regardless of how many times it has been activated.
Q: Is the SM-3 Buoy Light durable enough for installation on high bridge wings or oil rigs? A: Yes, the SM-3 is engineered to exceed standard requirements. While SOLAS regulations only mandate a 30-meter drop test, the SM-3 has been rigorously drop-tested to 76 meters (249 feet). This makes it an ideal choice for commercial vessels with high freeboards, oil platforms, and petro-marine applications where rugged durability is critical.
Q: What is the visibility range and operating duration of the strobe light? A: The high-intensity LED strobe produces a minimum of 3 candelas of light output in all directions (360° visibility), which is visible for approximately 2 miles. In terms of battery life, the unit will operate continuously for over 40 hours at 30°C (86°F), or over 24 hours in freezing conditions (-1°C), significantly exceeding the standard IMO SOLAS requirements.
Q: Does the mounting bracket resist UV damage and corrosion? A: Yes, the included mounting bracket is manufactured from the same UV-resistant polycarbonate blend as the light itself. This ensures the bracket will not become brittle or crack after years of exposure to harsh sun and salt spray, keeping the light secure until it is needed in an emergency.
