The Importance of Having a Flare Kit on your Boat

Posted On December 28, 2022

** Affiliate disclosure. This web site is supported by its awesome audience. When you click or purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

When it comes to ensuring your safety on the water, it’s vital that you have the proper flares and beacons for your boat. These are an important safety item to have on board your vessel, but they also need to be stored and used properly.

Safety products for boat flares

A boat flare kit is a must have. Flares are also known as visual distress signals. These are not just for sailors, they are handy for surfers, skiers, and anyone else who enjoys the open ocean. It’s best to have the right number of flares on board to keep you safe. Depending on the size of your vessel, you may need several. For instance, boats 16′ or larger need at least three if not four.

For the average sailor, a combination day and night red flare might be the way to go. Aside from the fact that they aren’t that hard to use, they’re actually fairly safe. You should also carry spare batteries and a watertight flashlight. The most important part of a flare kit is knowing how to safely dispense your new and used flares.

To be fair, there are other products that make waves, such as the old-fashioned heliograph. While they aren’t cheap, they can prove invaluable in an emergency. Another item to consider is the daytime distress flag. Not only will it serve as a warning to other seafarers, it will also act as a lifesaver if you should get into trouble.

Keep flares and beacons in good condition

In order to keep boat flares and beacons in good condition, you need to make sure they are kept in their proper places. They should be in a waterproof container, and kept in a cool, dry place. You also need to replace them regularly.

Boat flares and distress signals are effective tools for letting others know you are in trouble. However, you need to know how to safely use them. If you are not familiar with flares, you should check the manufacturer’s instructions or ask a store associate for assistance.

Distress signals, like flares, are recognized internationally. Depending on the country, there are different rules about using them. For example, you don’t need them if you are less than one nautical mile from shore.

Expired flares can cause serious harm, as they contain toxic chemicals. When they expire, they should be disposed of in a safe, legally authorized way.

When you buy new flares, you need to be sure that they meet Coast Guard regulations. These regulations limit the shelf life of pyrotechnic devices to three years from their manufacture date.

Proper storage of flares

If you own a boat, it’s important to know how to properly store and dispose of your marine flares. Expired flares can be a hazard to humans and the environment. Whether you’re disposing of an expired flare or storing a spare, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure the safety of yourself, your passengers and the marine environment.

Marine flares are devices that can help signal distress. They are highly visible in the air and on the water, but they should be used only when needed. It’s also important to make sure you store them in a secure location.

Distress flares should be stored in a container that is water-tight and cool. They should not be jettisoned overboard, even in an emergency.

Some people are surprised to learn that old flares can be safely disposed of, even if they’re expired. Many municipalities have started offering one-time collection events for expired flares.

During these events, you can donate your expired flares to a local fire station. The Coast Guard Auxiliary also accepts outdated flares for training purposes.

Proper use of flares

If you are on the water and in need of help, you should always have a boat flare kit on board. This is a simple distress signal that will alert the Coast Guard and other boaters to your situation. You can use a flare to signal your location by day or night.

These pyrotechnic flares are designed to emit a bright red light that is visible up to 10 km away. It also produces a large amount of smoke. They contain fuel oil, magnesium, and potassium chlorate. Some compounds have been found to be toxic.

There are several different types of flares, including hand held red flares and parachute flares. Flares have a limited lifespan. They expire 42 months after their manufacture date. The best way to ensure that your flares are safe to use is to read the manufacturer’s directions. They should include instructions on how to safely dispose of expired flares. Whether you are on the ocean or land, you should store your flares in a waterproof container.