Interesting implication on having to really use a flare on the 4th of July for an emergency. You just may not get a response if they are being fired all over the place while people are disposing of their old airial flares. 
Boating Flares Disposal - My new pet peeve
- Thread starter Crusty Ol Salt
- Start date
After accumulating a few generations of these things (all appropriately marked "Old") I sold them with the boat - let some other poor fellow figure it out. Actually, the best use was in the every-few-years' yacht club flare shoot. We'd do it over the winter one evening, get a couple guys from the local CG boat station to give their standard speech about using them and then 'supervise' us while we practiced - it was fun for all. Someone called a Securite over the VHF 16 so no one freaked out and the CG knew we were doing it. We didn't really have to have CG personnel there, but they were doing their community service stuff, so win-win.
Actually, if you've never done this, it is very instructional. The slag from a hand-held if hot, so I now stock leather work gloves next to the flares on-board. The 12-guage aerial were sadly disappointing and I would not trust my life to them - perhaps 5 seconds in the air and you could easily mistake them for a closer bottle rocket. The SOLAS parachute flares were impressive, but $50 each is steep.
Actually, if you've never done this, it is very instructional. The slag from a hand-held if hot, so I now stock leather work gloves next to the flares on-board. The 12-guage aerial were sadly disappointing and I would not trust my life to them - perhaps 5 seconds in the air and you could easily mistake them for a closer bottle rocket. The SOLAS parachute flares were impressive, but $50 each is steep.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,774
SO their practicality as a rescue flare is questionable. You would have to launch it at the rescuer to get their attention?
Perhaps an alternative use can be found...
How would they be as a deterrence to a questionable boarder in the middle of the night?
Its the price you pay for freedom.Interesting implication on having to really use a flare on the 4th of July for an emergency. You just may not get a response if they are being fired all over the place while people are disposing of their old airial flares.
A point to consider is that a second aerial flare should be launched a few seconds after the first. While at the helm of a commercial vessel in the middle of the night, I would sometimes catch a flash of red in my peripheral vision, and then watch in that direction for several minutes to be sure it wasn't a flare. The first flare you fire will get someone's attention. The second confirms the emergency, and indicates direction for the observer.
@Crusty Ol Salt ,
Good afternoon! Before burning them off for fun, be sure to reach out and inquire about any Sea Scouts in your area. They often use expired safety equipment such as flares and fire extinguishers to practice proper course of action and skills pertaining to a marine emergency situation. Thanks!
Good afternoon! Before burning them off for fun, be sure to reach out and inquire about any Sea Scouts in your area. They often use expired safety equipment such as flares and fire extinguishers to practice proper course of action and skills pertaining to a marine emergency situation. Thanks!
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,774
Makes a lot of sense Tom J. Perhaps the combo of a Flare shot and then a SOLAS Parachute flare. One to catch the attention and the longer duration to convince the Mariner what they saw was not an imagination and give them enough time to get confirmation with the Deck Officer.
I agree - This does not inspire confidence that a boat miles away would come to my rescue -
Our local police department accepts out of date flares and the harbor master disposes of them. Advantages of a small town.
I was 15 miles from the nearest body of water…no coasties in the areaInteresting implication on having to really use a flare on the 4th of July for an emergency. You just may not get a response if they are being fired all over the place while people are disposing of their old airial flares.
Greg
I’m sure it is more polite to use Canadian flares
Every year in Henderson Harbor where we are moored they have a 'ring of fire' event around the 4th of July. Everyone saves up their old flares and lights them at the same time around the harbor and mooring field. It's actually very cool to see the shoreline lined with fire, especially from the center of the harbor. Last year, unfortunately, my daughter lit off what she thought was a flare and it turned out to be a smoke signal, from the upwind end of the boat of course. Still trying to scrub the red dust off the deck!!
I bought an electric flare a couple of years back. So I am not buying more "disposable" flares. I have saved the old ones because if I need help, the old ones are just more visibility for me and mine in the life raft. But I think I'm getting rid of the 12 gauge shells after seeing that video.