What flares should I have on my boat?

two hand-held red flares or two parachute flares. two parachute flares. If you operate both inshore and offshore you only need to carry an offshore set of flares. All boats operating outside protected waters must carry flares.

How many flares do I need on my boat?

Sailboats and powerboats over 9 metres and up to 12 metres (29.5 feet to 39.4 feet) in length must have: 12 type A, B*, C, or D flares (no more than 6 type D) and… A watertight flashlight.

How long are flares good for on a boat?

four years
Pyrotechnic Distress Signals (Flares) Flares expire four years from the manufacture date stamped on them. Flares are hazardous! Do not just throw them away.

What do you do with expired boat flares?

Expired pyrotechnic flares are considered household hazardous wastes and explosives, and must be disposed of at a permitted hazardous waste facility. State laws and regulations prohibit the disposal of hazardous waste in waterways, trash, and in municipal landfills.

Is setting off a flare illegal?

No, it is not illegal for a person over 18 years to possess a firework, flare or smoke bomb, but it is illegal for a person over 18 years to let off the firework, flare or smoke bomb in a public place.

What color are boat flares?

Red flares, either sent as a rocket or held in the hand, are widely recognized as a maritime distress signal. The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) has standards for visual signals, including both handheld and aerial flares.

Is it illegal to set off flares?

Can I keep expired flares on my boat?

The smoke and fumes from flares are hazardous. Use your expired flares to practice, but make sure they are the same make and model as the ones you have aboard. If you don’t have any expired flares, buy a fresh set just to burn. Some manufacturers suggest disposing of the expired flares by lighting them off.

Is flare smoke toxic?

Flares burn at the melting point of steel and contain toxic chemicals. Designed for marine distress, they are deliberately difficult to extinguish. Smoke bombs also burn at high temperatures and are not designed for use in confined spaces. They can cause panic in a tightly packed crowd and trigger asthma attacks.

Do you need to carry flares in Tasmania?

Within Tasmania, flares are not required for vessels operating in smooth waters. MAST however recommends that flares be carried; Flares should be stored where they are accessible and remain dry. The storage area should be clearly marked;

Where are distress flares supposed to be stored?

Flares should be stored where they are accessible and remain dry. The storage area should be clearly marked; Read the instructions on distress flares carefully to ensure familiarity with the method of operation. Different brands of signals have different methods of ignition;

How many red flares are in a bag?

Simple to operate. Four per kit. 2 red & 2 orange in bag. Terms and Conditions of Sale

Can a smoke flare be used at sea level?

The attached information sheet has been supplied by Pains Wessex The smoke flare is for day use only. It provides a vivid and expanding cloud of dense orange smoke visible for more than 60 seconds and can be seen from 4km away at sea level and even further from and aircraft. Always hold the flare to leeward when using it.