RETURN

SEA SAFETY EQUIPMENT

 ANCHORS AND WARPS

DISTRESS FLARES

·                 You should be aware that distress flares have an expiry date printed on them. After this date they become increasingly unreliable. In addition salt water will cause the flare's internal aluminium casing to corrode and swell, it also makes the propellant unstable. If you pick it up it may go off on its own accord and if you are holding it ,it may explode as it cannot exit the casing via the top as it is stuck in the casing. In date flares should be stored in dry conditions.

·                 In the interest of safety you should remove ALL out of date flares from your vessel IMMEDIATELY and dispose of them safely.

·                 Cosalt Safety and Protection, Mills House, Harbour Road, Trading Estate, Portishead, Bristol are able to supply new flares, and safely dispose of your expired flares safely. If you  wish to only dispose of old flares safely there is a charge per item ranging from 50p - £1. This is the only known company in our area able to offer this service.

·                 For health and safety reasons HM Coastguard and the RNLI are unlikely to wish to dispose of expired flares, although you can check with your local station to see if they provide this service.

·                 H M Coastguard Aberdeen website has further useful information.

            http://www.aberdeencoastguardcrt.co.uk/Pyros.htm 

Do Not Throw flares over board

Do Not Throw pyrotechnics in the refuse bin

Do Not Use any pyrotechnic which has been lying in salt water

Do Not Fire them off except in an emergency.

Improper us of pyrotechnics is also a criminal offence under the The Merchant Shipping (Distress Signals and Prevention of Collisions) Regulations, punishable by imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years and a fine.  

DISTRESS FLARE PACKS

In the event of distress at sea, pyrotechnics are one means of attracting help and assistance. They are an essential part of your sea safety equipment. White collision warning flares, orange and red distress smokes, and parachute rockets all provide clear signals at sea to attract the attention of those on land and at sea. The choice of distress packs open to you is dependant on the type of sailing you do, and the distance you may be from land. The recommended packs fall in to the following groups. The packs contain the minimum recommended flares, although you can supplement them with additional  white flares, or mini flares etc. 

·                 These flares are recommended as personal kit items rather than the vessels safety. 

·                 Care should be taken with stowage of flares they should be protected from banging and jarring, especially in fast craft.

·                 All flares carried should be regularly inspected for condition

·                 Flares should be immediately available for use

·                 Flares should be protected from salt water, preferably in a sealed container

·                 Red and white flares should be kept separate

·                 White anti collision flares should be stowed where they are readily accessible

·                 Eye protection should be worn

·                 Brief Crew in correct use of flares.

·                 Keep a torch and stout leather gloves alongside flares.