BCB Mayday 4 Inch Floating Signalling Mirror

When a radio is unavailable or its battery has run down, a clear visual signal can help attract attention. The BCB Mayday 4 inch floating signalling mirror is a compact heliograph for emergency signalling, with a buoyant design and one-handed operation. It is intended for use in demanding conditions and is approved for marine and military applications.

Use the mirror to reflect sunlight towards a visible target, following the instructions printed on its reverse. The 4 inch mirror is designed for liferafts and lifeboats and offers a stated range of well over 10 miles. It has a Type approved logo, an approved lanyard and NATO approval under NSN-6350-99-613-9818.

Where it fits in your kit

• Grab bag: a compact visual signalling option if you need to attract attention.
• Boat or liferaft equipment: the 4 inch size is designed for liferafts and lifeboats.
• Home emergency box: useful as a backup signalling method during an evacuation or communications outage.
• Remote camp: provides a sunlight-based way to signal when you are away from usual communications.

Prep tips

• Keep the mirror somewhere easy to find, and check that its lanyard is present before setting out.
• Read the instructions on the reverse and practise using the mirror in safe conditions before you need it.
• Pack it alongside a separate signalling method, such as a whistle or radio, rather than relying on a single option.
• Remember that a mirror needs sunlight and a visible target; plan another method for darkness or poor visibility.

Specifications

• Size: 4 inch
• Signalling range: well over 10 miles
• One-handed operation
• Buoyant design
• NATO approved: NSN-6350-99-613-9818
• Type approved logo and approved lanyard
• User instructions printed on the reverse