Whooo…Flare

For those expecting an article on the WWF legend Nature Boy, Rick Flare, I am terribly sorry to disappoint you. Flares are a required form of a visual distress signal on most vessels, however for many us of our knowledge of flares stops right there. Provided herein is some valuable information on flares that may one day help save your life.

 According to United States Coast Guard regulations "visual distress signals must be carried on all boats which are operated on the high seas, coastal waters (including the great lakes), the territorial seas and all the waters directly connected to the great lakes or the territorial seas up to a point where the waters are less than 2-miles wide." All vessels are covered by the requirement if operating on the designated waters at night. "During daytime the following boats do not need to comply: i) recreational boats less than 16 feet in length, ii) boats participating in an organized event" a race for example, iii) "open sailboats that are not equipped with propulsion machinery and are less than 26-feet in length iv) and manually propelled boats." Failure to comply with these regulations may result in a fine up to $1,100.

 When purchasing flares you should be aware that they are categorized according to day use, night use, or a combination day/night usage. There are basically four different types of flares on the market that include:
  • Red Parachute Flares - For day or night usage

  • Red Aerial Flares (Also known as meteor flares) - For day or night usage

  • Hand Held Red Signal Flares - For day or night usage

  • Hand Held Orange Smoke Flares - Day usage only

    All flares must be stamped with a United Stated Coast Guard approval and an expiration date. (Note: Flares come standard with an expiration date 42 months from the date of manufacture. Prior to purchase pay close attention to this date to see how long they have been sitting on the shop shelf collecting dust. Flares possessed beyond their expiration obviously do not meet the regulations and therefore