ACR SM-3 Self-Igniting Buoy Marker Light

Automatic Crew-Overboard Marking

The SM-3 is stored upside down in its mounting bracket beside a lifebuoy. When the lifebuoy is deployed, the light is released, turns upright in the water, and automatically begins flashing. This avoids the need for the person in the water or responding crew to locate and operate a switch.

Its gravity-switch activation can also be tested by turning the light upright. Returning it to the inverted position switches the strobe off.

360-Degree LED Visibility

The high-intensity LED produces at least 3 candela per flash in all directions across the upper hemisphere. It flashes 50 to 70 times per minute and provides approximately 2 miles of visibility, helping responding crew maintain visual contact with the incident location after dark or in poor visibility.

The SM-3 is intended as a visual location marker and should be used alongside established crew-overboard procedures and other required safety equipment.

Buoyant, Self-Righting Design

Built-in buoyancy keeps the SM-3 floating upright in the water with the LED above the surface. Its international safety-orange housing also improves daytime visibility and makes the unit easier to identify among other deck equipment.

The compact body is made from UV-resistant polycarbonate and has been drop-tested from 76 m (249 ft.), exceeding the 30 m drop test required by the applicable USCG, MED, and SOLAS standards.

User-Replaceable AA Batteries

The SM-3 operates on two Energizer L91 AA lithium batteries. The batteries can be replaced by the user, allowing the light to be returned to service after use or when scheduled battery replacement is required. Batteries are not included so the product can be shipped without lithium-battery handling restrictions.

The specified L91 lithium batteries are required for the light to meet its approved performance standards.

Lifebuoy Mounting Bracket

A UV-resistant mounting bracket is included to keep the SM-3 secure while the vessel is underway but accessible for immediate deployment. The bracket uses the same mounting-hole pattern as the previous ACR SM-2 bracket, allowing many SM-2 installations to be upgraded without drilling new mounting holes.