Cyalume, how does it work?
Cyalume is a plastic tube that contains a coloured fluorescent solution. A glass capsule containing an activator (oxalate) mixes the two products when broken. This creates a cold light, called chemiluminescent light or chemical light. The two mixed liquids produce light by chemical reaction, without external energy input.
Depending on the chemical dosage, this light can last from 5 minutes intense to 24 hours with a lower luminosity. This time also varies depending on the ambient temperature. The low temperatures will significantly slow down the light intensity, on the contrary a strong heat will accelerate this reaction.
In terms of light output, light sticks with a light duration of 12 hours produce a light comparable to the brightness produced by a candle flame.
For whom?
By meeting the requirements of Division 240 which imposes an individual light device for each crew member (on all boats under 24 m), Cyalume offers a really inexpensive and very reliable solution to complete this chapter on safety.
Ideally, you should equip your lifejacket with a luminous marking. A lamp also does the job, but it costs more, and requires maintenance (battery in working order, risk of corrosion...). A Cyalume stick is waterproof, floating, unbreakable, light, easy to store in a vest and always ready to serve. Its life span of 5 years gives you time to see it coming.
The only downside is that a Cyalume is damaged if it is too exposed to light. It is therefore better to keep it in your pocket or that of the vest. The SOS model with the light stick protected in a rigid packaging avoids this problem. In addition, lovers of light sailing will be able to keep it on them without the risk of unintentionally triggering it by getting back on board after a desalination for example.
Effective colors
Cyalumes are available in many colours. The most visible at night are yellow, green and orange. These colors will be chosen for all safety issues, this stick remains visible up to about 1 mile.
For better visibility from a distance, the Cyalume must make large movements in the air. If possible, turn it over you by hanging it on a bitch. It's harder for a shipwrecked man who can just hold the Cyalume at the end of his arm.
But you can also use a white Cyalume to mark your position at anchor. In this case, it will be advisable to send the Cyalume on a halyard in the mast on a sailboat, or fixed as high as possible on a motor boat and if possible visible at 360°. The autonomy of the Cyalume ensures a complete night (under our latitudes).
What model?
The Cyalume range is wide. For safety equipment, we recommend the 15 cm (23 g) SnapLight stick. Choose the one with a 12-hour autonomy. It has a life of 5 years and especially costs only 2 €..
A little more expensive (about 10 €) we can choose the SOS version with its plastic shell and its slut ready to serve.
