Flare letter types? - Canadian

[Roger Long]

Does anyone here know what Type A, B,C, and D flares are? I'd like to comply with Canadian requirements (although voluntary for a visitor) when I go up there and need to have (12) flares, not more than (6) of which need to be Type D.

I can't find a listing of flares by letter type anywhere with Google or on the Canadian vessel safety pages.

 

[Ross]

This might be what you are looking for.
Edit to add link:
http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/eng/CCG/SAR_Adr
In order to be prepared for visual alerting, it is necessary to understand the importance of flares and what type you should carry onboard:

• every fishing vessel exceeding 15 gross tons is required to carry:
  • 12 type C (hand held) flares and one of the following, either;
  • six type B (rocket multi-star) flares if operating not more than 20 nautical miles from shore, or
  • six type A (parachute) flares if operating more than 20 nautical miles from shore;
• every fishing vessel not exceeding 15 gross tons is required to carry one watertight can containing six approved self-igniting flares and,
• the canister activated smoke signal (type D) is a common flare used during daylight hours. Even though this flare is not mandatory for all fishing vessels, the voluntary carriage of these canisters is recommended.

While these requirements represent the minimum standard, you are encouraged to supplement signalling equipment. All flares should be stored in a watertight container and kept in a cool, dry place. Flares are approved by TC. This approval is only valid for four years from the date of manufacture. Following this, flares should be replaced and the outdated units disposed of in an approved manner. Any questions or concerns should be directed to TC-Marine Safety, CCG Office of Boating Safety, local fire department or police authority.
Other standard marine distress signals are described in the Collision Regulations.

 

[Richard Bryer]

Nice of you to want to comply. Roger

Does anyone here know what Type A, B,C, and D flares are? I'd like to comply with Canadian requirements (although voluntary for a visitor) when I go up there and need to have (12) flares, not more than (6) of which need to be Type D.

I can't find a listing of flares by letter type anywhere with Google or on the Canadian vessel safety pages.

One of the difficulties is our Coast Guard and yours can't seem to get their act together and decide on a common set of specifications for safety gear. You will need to buy flares that are Canadian Coast Guard approved (and life jackets etc). I have never understood why a flare that works and is approved on one side of that line on a map in the middle of the lake, is not an approved flare when you cross it. Do we drown differently? I think it is civil servants justifiying their jobs.

 

[Roger Long]

You will need to buy flares that are Canadian Coast Guard approved (and life jackets etc).

Sheesh! I hope not. The Canadian page on visiting vessels says I just have to comply with the USCG requirements but I thought I would at least comply with the number requirement and add the throwing rope that isn't required in my size down here.

Your requirements are for 15 meters of buoyant line on the lifering. I have a light on mine but no rope as I don't want anything to impeed throwing it to the PIW. I then have a lifesling with 15 meters of buoyant line which should meet the requirement.

 

[David10790]

Canadian regs for boat 8m to 12 m (26 -39 feet)

Here's what the rules say:
1 PFD per person on board
1 buoyant line at least 15 m as well as
1 life ring with 15 m of buoyant line
a re-boarding device
anchor with 30 m of rode
bailer
manual water pump
1 class 10BC extinguisher; 2 if you have a galley
1 watertight flashlight
12 approved flares of type a, b, c or d of which no more than 6 can be d
sound signaling device
navigation lights

Type of Flares:
Type A: Parachute flares (burns for at least 40 seconds)
Type B: Multi-Star flares (burns 4 to 5 seconds).
Type C: Hand held flares.
Type D: Hand held or buoyant smoke flare (day use only).

The Coast Guard is much more concerned with drinking and unsafe operation (speeding in harbours etc) than giving people tickets for technical violations. However, here are some rules you should no:

Children under 12 cannot operate a boat under power with more than a 10 hp engine
As of Sept 2009 all boat operators in Canada need to show proof of competency; this means in Canada passing the on-line Safe Boating Course.

You must have on board in each area the most recent edition of the largest scale chart - I know folks who have been fined for not having paper charts.

Have a great time in Canada - I respect your willingness to comply with the rules.